Peter,
I agree with Ian that the twigs are almost certainly 'stoprice' or
'stoprods'. They are thin twigs/branches placed behind roof timbers to stop
fine material falling through. If you like I have a photo of their use at
an Italian museum mine at Massa Maritima, Tuscany which I can send off line.
The 1740-ish mine records for the Caldbeck Fells at Carlisle and
Northallerton Record Offices have accounts which include payments for
stoprice - usually priced 'per dozen' or 'per score'.
Regards
Richard
----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Jackson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2013 4:05 PM
Subject: Twigs
A recent exploration of mine workings at Nenthead, Cumbria, UK, has revealed
two sites where a handful of twigs are laid on the floor of the mine
working.
The length of twigs is approximately 200mm and the quantity is approx. one
handful.
The material appears to be heather - this is unconfirmed because the twigs
appear to be too fragile to move.
The mine is a lead mine, workings in the Great limestone within the High
Flat. Present conditions are dry and dusty. No evidence of firesetting.
Mine workings may date from a period between 1800 and 1830
Your views about why the twigs are in the mine, would be most welcome.
If you need to leave the list, send the following message to
[log in to unmask] -
leave mining-history
---------
If you need to leave the list, send the following message to [log in to unmask] -
leave mining-history
---------
|