Hi Mike
I can’t rule out coal mining at some time previous to this, but I think
like lead mining, it would be small or short term. No doubt you are thinking
of the 14th century references to Hudswell and Tan Hill. As for Wensleydale
there was no need for coal in the upper dale with a relatively sparse
population and ready access to peat. There may have been some demand for coal
at Leyburn, Middleham, Richmond etc, but as Peter says the ‘farm of Turbary’
may have been to supply them, or for industrial purposes. As Les Tyson
has shown though Colsterdale would meet some of this extra demand.
Scroopes also made good provision for their supply of wood, having their
own spring at Leyburn and making an agreement for wood at Redmire from the
Abbot of Coverham, not to mention their other extensive (Scroope) properties
down and out of the dale.
I had already suspected that Preston Moor Colliery was likely to have
exploded into life in the late 16th century. It was let at £400 a year c.1622
and £500 by 1650; looking at later production levels, I doubt if it could
have lasted so long, unless it only came on stream 1550 – 1580.
I take on board David’s observations, but the manorial account does seem
to have been written in the moment, they refer to new mills as well as old
mills etc. It is the final summation of accounts supplied by each village
reeve or bailiff. No mention of past mines (either coal or lead).
This sudden activity coincides with the expansion in lead mining in
Swaledale, it would certainly be for mainly industrial use. There was an
expansion in population, but was that as a result of industrial expansion or just
the general rise of the 16th century?
Regards
Ian
In a message dated 03/03/2011 16:31:22 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Hi Ian,
I agree with the others that peat was more likely, but am intrigued as
to why you think this would indicate that the collieries were not being
worked.
The term 'farm' usually means that someone is paying (up front) for the
right to collect expected income from others digging or making
something. That rather suggests that locals were not free to cut peat
on this Lord's moor.
Regards,
Mike
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