CROSS FELL AND MINES OF THE CUMBRIAN FELLS by Ian Tyler
IAN Tyler is a prolific writer on Cumbria’s minding industry and his latest is a tome as physically heavy as a slab of Lakeland slate.
Extending to 654 pages, the book begins its exploration with the Brampton coalfield before taking the reader through the Eden Valley coalfield to Hartside Pass and beyond that to Cross Fell.
The comprehensive history takes in lead and baryte (barium sulphate) mining, the latter continuing right up until 2009, as well as limestone extraction.
It includes the fascinating story of ‘Bill’ Wharton, the baryte champion, and tells of the Clouds, said to be the oldest mine in Cumbria.
The book is lavishly illustrated with period photographs as well as diagrams and drawings depicting the various mining operations.
Also included are the names of hundreds of miners who worked at the various mines. (Blue Rock Publications, 01228-561883)
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