Environment, antecedent and adventure : tin and copper mining on Dartmoor, Devon, C.1700-1914
The tin and copper industries of Dartmoor in Devonshire are investigated through an analysis of the earthworks and ruined structures which constitute the surface evidence of mining. An entirely new body of data has been assembled resulting from field investigation, survey and documentary research, focussing specifically on the surface remains of underground mining, the dressing of the ores and the evidence for water power. This has enabled a reconstruction of key elements of the mining landscape and established the scale of the processes involved. An analytical methodology has been developed which contextualises the archaeological remains in terms of local environment and social antecedent, together with a broader framework of inference based on consumption, global trade in metals and the impact of historical capitalism on the organization of mining. This has provided a novel interpretive framework that combines the environmental and social inimitability of a mining region with contemporary global, socio-economic trends. This precise approach has not previously been applied to any mining district in the United Kingdom. The results demonstrate that for the study period c.1700 to 1914, Dartmoor shares many historical
Newman, Philip
Environment, antecedent and adventure : tin and copper mining on Dartmoor, Devon, C.1700-1914. The tin and copper industries of Dartmoor in Devonshire are investigated through an analysis of the earthworks and ruined structures which constitute the surface evidence of mining. An entirely new body of data has been assembled resulting from field investigation, survey and documentary research, focussing specifically on the surface remains of underground mining, the dressing of the ores and the evidence for water power. This has enabled a reconstruction of key elements of the mining landscape and established the scale of the processes involved. An analytical methodology has been developed which contextualises the archaeological remains in terms of local environment and social antecedent, together with a broader framework of inference based on consumption, global trade in metals and the impact of historical capitalism on the organization of mining. This has provided a novel interpretive framework that combines the environmental and social inimitability of a mining region with contemporary global, socio-economic trends. This precise approach has not previously been applied to any mining district in the United Kingdom. The results demonstrate that for the study period c.1700 to 1914, Dartmoor shares many historical
environment antecedent adventure tin copper mining devon tin copper industry investigate analysis earthwork ruin structure constitute surface evidence mining entirely_new body data assemble result field investigation survey documentary focus_specifically surface remain underground mining dress ore evidence water power enable reconstruction key_element mine landscape establish scale process_involve analytical develop contextualises archaeological_remains term local_environment social antecedent together broad_framework inference base consumption global trade metal impact historical capitalism organization mining provide_novel interpretive_framework combine environmental social mine region contemporary global socio_economic trend precise previously apply mining district united_kingdom study period share many historical