> Both the Marquess of Bath & the Horners had
mining interests in Somerset (coal
> and other minerals) and, I believe,
the families may still hold the relevant
> records, at Longleat and Mells
respectively. Does anyone know if this is the
> case, and if so, how
complete the records are?
> Keith Ramsey
> University of
Exeter
Keith - yes, this is the case - both being investigated in
respect of coal (and other minerals) and (Horners) Fussell ironworks. The Earl
of Oxford & Asquith (Mells Manor) has a part-time archivist with whom I can
put you in touch if you contact me off list. I don't think the Horner records
are fully catalogued as yet. The Thynne/Marquess of Bath records are at Longleat
with a resident full time archivist and assistant. Access is possible but with
pretty severe time constraints and they ask for written notice a fortnight in
advance - and there is a charge. Again I can let you have details off list. Some
material from Longleat was lodged at the Wilts RO in Trowbridge for a
time; this material has been returned to Longleat now but Wilts RO has a
catalogue/listing of it. I have extracted some of the references relating to
coal from this catalogue (though I haven't looked at the actual records as yet)
and can e-mail you a copy if that would be useful.
regards
James
