I think it should be pointed out that the drawing concerned is of a generic
horse gin or whim and as it states in the drawing caption:
"The horse-whim, erected in thousands in Cornwall, was an essential part of
the equipment of every mine, whether large or small. Construction varied in
detail but all conformed to the same basic design. This drawing is of one
intended for heavy work and durability, ........."
This publication only mentions the horse whim in the context of Cornwall,
because it is about Cornish mines, it does not claim that this design is
specific to Cornwall - virtually every mining area in Britain used horse
gins in some shape or form at some point! All of which as Hamilton Jenkin
says "conformed to the same basic design", so you cannot really assign the
label of "Cornish style" to horse whims!
Kelvin Lake
Publications and Newsletter Officer
Shropshire Caving & Mining Club
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Visit us on the web: www.shropshirecmc.org.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Dr.
Jennifer Lambert Tracey
Sent: 07 March 2010 00:05
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Horse-Whim Drawing
Hello Roger,
Many thanks for this reference. I have observed on some of our mining
fields, particularly those in New South Wales, archaeological remains which
I consider are of Cornish style horse whims. It will be exceptionally
interesting to have a look at this publication and the drawing.
Kind regards,
Jennifer
Dr. Jennifer Lambert-Tracey,
Archaeologist & Historian,
PO Box 4284
ST LUCIA SOUTH, QLD. 4067
Mobile. 0419011860
-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Roger Baden Bradford
Sent: Sunday, 7 March 2010 6:01 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Horse-Whim Drawing
Fellow Listers
I have just received a copy of a book from Mike Moore which contains a most
interesting drawing of a Cornish Horse-Whim c/w details.
This is to my knowledge the first time I've come across a Cornish drawing
with parts named, even the type of timber used is mentioned as well, though
the horse hitch seems a little strange to me. Age of drawing is I think
about 1840's.
The book is:-
MINES AND MINERS OF CORNWALL, Vol. V Hayle, Gwinear & Gwithian, by
A.K.Hamilton Jenkin, adjacent to page 40.
Hope the above is of interest.
Take Care
Roger B Bradford, of Elizabeth South Australia
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