Introducing myself and my interests - Somerset and Durham

Mine exploration, photographs and mining history for mine explorers, industrial archaeologists, researchers and historians

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christelhelen
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

13 years ago

Hi,
I suddenly found myself interested in mining due to researching my family tree.
My Muncaster family hail from co. Durham/Northumberland (Tynemouth, Haswell, Chester le Street area) where many of them were miners.
I am also researching Muncaster families in Cumbria, with a few miners, especially in the Whitehaven area.
I am also researching the Denning family in Somerset, in the Frome/Kilmersdon area, a lot of miners there.

Please excuse my ignorance but I was surprised to find coalmining in Somerset -- would appreciate any potted histories or clues as to where I can find reliable information.

thanks for reading

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somersetminer
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

13 years ago

Hi there, have done quite a bit of research on mining in Somerset and its links to Cornwall as I live there now, several minerals were mined there at one time or another, not just coal..copper, silver, iron, lead, calamine (zinc), celestite and maybe more
for info on the coal mines your first port of call should be Down & Warringtons excellent 'History of the Somerset Coalfield' (reprinted 2005), and for photos of Kilmersdon and neighbouring collierys I can recommend John Cornwells Collieries of Somerset and Bristol, some of the best photos out there I think!

christelhelen
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

13 years ago

Thanks so much for that information. I will look out for those books. Much appreciated.

Maggot
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

13 years ago

Might be worth your while contacting Radstock Museum.
http://www.radstockmuseum.co.uk

Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

Wormster
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

13 years ago

How be on?? from the 'shire, went to a Denning wedding last weekend! no good to you boy as 'es a sparky mind you he does live over to where you'm be on about!

I'm no good with the papers, but i do know where a few of T'owd Man's shafts and rakes are, if you'm be wanting to have a mooch!

Better to regret something you have done - than to regret something you have not done.

christelhelen
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

13 years ago

That's great. I will have a good look at that site, thanks for the link

christelhelen
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

13 years ago

Blimey! I'm from Dorset myself, but I think I know what your saying ... Glad to know there are still Dennings around. I'd love a mooch, but am stuck in London for my sins. A bit of the West Country being good for the soul I am grateful to hear from you, a nice smile to end the day.

I'll keep you in mind if I get on a train to Somerset any time soon ...!