simonrl
  • simonrl
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18 years ago
From the BBC web site:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/6970595.stm 

The mine's history can be traced back to the mid-1600s, but at its height between 1850-70 it was considered one of the largest of its type in Europe.

Hve to admit I'd never heard of it, but good to see preservation in progress.

my orders are to sit here and watch the world go by
Wyn
  • Wyn
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18 years ago
Simon,
I'm not suprised you've not heard of it. The name Martha refers to the water wheel, not the mine. I think the BBC are a bit confused.
simonrl
  • simonrl
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18 years ago
Ah, thanks!

Is that the other underground waterwheel in Wales then? I was under the impression there are only two?
my orders are to sit here and watch the world go by
Wyn
  • Wyn
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  • Newbie
18 years ago
No it's not underground, it was more commonly known as the red wheel. It was possibly the largest mine waterwheel in Wales at 63 foot in diameter.

(Dylife also has the deepest shaft in Mid Wales. Boundary shaft 1002 ft deep - still open at the collar)
Barney
  • Barney
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18 years ago
They talk about restoring 'the pit', i take it they mean the wheel pit?
They are just doing surface work i would imagine, which means any open adits are going to be closed up to keep the visitors out!
merddinemrys
18 years ago
Yes they have started digging out the wheel pit at Dylife.
royfellows
18 years ago
No adits will be sealed. The clearing of the Martha wheal pit was by volunteers from WMS. The cost was born personally by Michael Brown the author and project leader except for £100 from Welsh Mines Preservation Trust and £250 from a local farmer. The object was to clear the wheelpit to a depth of 6 feet, originally it was 30 feet deep, and fence it to discourage further dumping. Michael still had to put some of his own money into the kitty. Welsh Mines Society dont seal up adits, we fight to keep them open.
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