Hi Trevor,
I seem to recall that the rag and chain pump pipe now on display at Geevor and dated to the early C16 had iron bands round it. Something similar was lying near the museum building at Wheal Martyn last time I was there (about 3 years ago), but nobody knew anything about it in the museum. C17-C18 water supply pipes in urban contexts also use the same technique. You may find that the wood is elm, or possibly apple. Both do not rot easily when constantly wetted and dried, hence their use as water pipes, and traditionally in water wheels.
Robert Waterhouse
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Message Received: Oct 12 2006, 07:41 PM
From: "Trevor Dunkerley"
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Re: Mill Pond - Combe Martin
Dear List,
In making safe the ongoing excavation at Mine Tenement against winter weathers, we today excavated what appears to be a drainage hole for the mill pond.
The drain cuts under the southern wall of the mill pond via a pipe which appears to be constructed of wood with iron bands surrounding it which are nailed into position around the wood with iron nails.
There are two photographs of the remains of the pipe on the below website (just key NEWS).
Has anyone come across this type of construction before? Pottery sheds found close to the pipe are 13/14th century.
Kindest regards,
Trevor
Visit http://www.histarc-hands.co.uk for the historical and archaeological North Devon Scene.
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