Barry Jones wrote (and others have commented)
> I have read serveral books on the CB or New Smelt Mill in
> Arkengarthdale, mainly by Raisterick and Clouth. But two things still
> puzzel me? The main flue runs up the hill side to the south.Then a
> second branch runs off to the west at a crazy dog leg angle only to
> join the main flue once again
As a child I lived in Allendale. I knew nothing of mining; but the folk-
lore was that the straight flue had never drawn properly and the
second one with bends was an improvement. Looking at ordinary
house chimneys and associated patents, makes me wonder if there
may be something in this.
However, considering the Grassington flues and loops, I would
agree with the theory of having alternative routes so that cleaning
out could take place without interrupting smelting.
Sallie Bassham
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