I have no reason to believe that Richard Beech had any significant connexion
with Coalbrookdale. A few years ago, I went through various documents on
the erection of early Newcomen engines in the Midlands. This work
ultimately became a paper in Mining History 16(6), but I cut out the section
dealing with the spread of the engine, as irrelevant to the main subject,
which was coal mining in the Black Country. I can (if you wish) send you a
fuller version, which contains what I discovered about him. I have not
re-checked that work in writing this, but my recollection is that he came
from somewhere just north of Stone, Staffs, where he may have been a farmer
or very minor gentry. His activity seems to have been setting up engines
and operating mines using them. Or am I thinking of some one different?
If you would like what I wrote, please contact me off-list. That also
applies to any one else interested.
As Mining History hardly circulates in the Black Country, I am planning to
publish a revised version of the Mining History article there. This will be
without references, other than to Mining History. The only substantial
revision will be the result of Dudley Archives having found another bundle
of relevant leases, etc.
Peter King
49, Stourbridge Road,
Hagley
Stourbridge
West Midlands
DY9 0QS
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-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of M J
Shaw
Sent: 25 November 2011 09:10
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Richard Beech
I have found, though not yet looked at, some sources of information about
Richard Beech who I understand made Newcomen engine parts at or in
connection with Coalbrookdale. None of these sources look to contain more
than passing information. I wonder if he has been the subject of a thesis
(or equivalent) anywhere, but have failed to find anything, can anyone on
the list help please.
Mike Shaw
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