Peter:
Given the presumed age of the mine and the likelihood that the miners were
drawn from the local farming communities, it is quite possible that the
twigs are rowan twigs laid on the floor or hung over the adit entrance as an
apotropaic gesture(ie ward away the devil). You would be surprised at the
number of old farms and cottages in northern England and Scotland that have
a rowan tree near the doorway.
Cheers
Roy Wares. FEC, P.Eng.
Vancouver, Canada
-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Peter Jackson
Sent: July-24-13 8:06 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
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.
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