I have the strong impression that there was virtually no copper mining in
Britain from perhaps the 1630s until the invention of cupola smelting in
1687. This is in my view because the European market was glutted with cheap
Swedish copper. ~~~~
Peter King
49, Stourbridge Road,
Hagley,
Stourbridge
West Midlands
DY9 0QS
01562-720368
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-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Rick Stewart, Morwellham Quay Mine Manager
Sent: 01 September 2009 11:29
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Early Tamar Valley Copper Mining
What documenary evidence is there for pre eighteenth century copper mining
within the Tamar Valley? The earliest references that I have come across
are early eighteenth century Bedford Estate leases held in the DRO.
Dines and (Ithink) Hamilton Jenkin both note that Virtuous Lady is reputed
to have been worked in the 16th Century.
A more recent reference (Rippon, Claughton & Smart, 2009) notes "there is,
however, good documentary evidence that some copper - bearing ores were
being worked in the Tamar Valley by at least the first decade of the
fourteenth century."
Can anyone elucidate?
Many thanks
Rick Stewart
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