It is still recognised as the definitive book on that subject and sought (second hand) my many people walkers, minerologists, and local groups interested in ore mining and its history.
The original was A5 and monochrome. John and I met up again a couple of years ago and I suggested we bring out a third edition A4 in size and colour, with updated GPS data, enlarged maps and unseen images from our explorations in the 80s, with local mining groups, such as CATHMS, COMRU and MOLES.
Greeted with enthusiasm by colleagues from those groups John received much new information, images etc.. The new book is going to print as I write this. If you are at all interested in the multiple holes, spoil heaps etc. that you come across in your wanderings then this is it. Here is a part description of only one, little known, mine in the Caldbeck fells.
The 1818 Level (region B): The spoil heap of this level may be easily found in a steep-sided gill to the E of the China Clay Mine (NY 315 347). The level mouth is harder to find being usually overrun with earth. The level is driven W……..etc..
I am amazed to think that the miner who wrote this was 58 years old in 1818, so he was born in 1760. John and I were the first to see this inscription in the 1980s.
The book is available through the usual local outlets from the end of July.
David Ramshaw.
