I cannot explain “polling”. Mine is a synonym for ore, here probably ironstone nodules. The standard measure for this was the dozen, which was a dozen bushels. The ore needed to be kept on the surface for a period so that it could weather, after which the women were no doubt picking ore from gangue.
I should add that the measure for charcoal was also the dozen, but it was a dozen sacks, each of 8 bushels. In each case, the quantity approximates to a ton, which was a load for a horse-drawn carriage.
Peter KIng
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: Lynne Mayers
Sent: 12 October 2017 13:22
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Employment at S. Wales Iron Mines 1842
Please can anyone clarify what I think are various employment practices in place at Dowlais/Ebbw Vale iron mines as described in 1842 by Rhys William Jones. All relate to women or girls working at the mine banks (I think):
At Dowlais Iron Works: ‘I work with another girl who has the ‘polling’ at this bank by the job.’
At Ebbw Vale: 2 women ‘pick the mine ore clean and stack it up ready for measuring’ (several others describe stacking ‘mine’) and ‘I work for Richard Evans. He has the work by the dozen’.
Most seem to be contracting out but I am not sure how the rest works.
Many thanks,
Lynne
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