Brief review of our only two events because of the Covid pandemic:
February
“A Rural Legacy Lost: the Decline of Salmon Fishing on the River Dart”
with Nick Baker
Winston Graham’s Poldark novels and recent television series are works of fiction. However, these stories were meticulously researched and there were indeed those who used political intrigue and doubtful tactics to make money from mining.
Streaming for alluvial tin led to the boom years of the 14th century and with the advent of steam driven pumps in the 18th century facilitating deeper tin and copper mines such as Devon Great Consols, this meant even greater profits for landowners.
From early times the ownership of mineral rights and much of the financing for working them were controlled by the Crown or powerful landowners. They took no risks but leased land to private companies who had to raise their own capital, even taking a % of any profits and seeking compensation for loss of shooting rights!
Cost Book systems detailed all the finances, the review of which led to either further investment or debt. Deeper mines attracted bigger investors and c150 new banks were created by landowners, sometimes for political purposes and often failing. However, now with even more control, the landowners made huge profits. The Duke of Bedford started the Tavistock Savings Bank and his Devon Great Consols mining leases earned him around £20million compared to £1.6million from farming. The Bassetts and Williams families of Cornwall (Caerhays, Burncoose) built grand houses, parks and gardens from their profits.
In contrast, the miners worked in dangerous situations, living on low wages, in overcrowded cottages and poor conditions. Deductions were made from their pay for their tools, powder and candles and they were often paid only in tokens which had to be redeemed for goods at the mine shop. They often had to supplement their income by farming, but having to lease the land. Girls from the age of 10 worked as Bal maidens breaking up the ore. Accidents and disease were common. Although there were protests, the mine owners usually came down heavily on any complaints.
Many of the miners subsequently decided to try their luck in USA, Canada and Australia and a big trade developed from places such as Padstow and Appledore, people going out on ships and timber coming back. Lots of the miners did well and never came back, though many of their letters home still survive and tell their stories.
The Poldark stories are great fiction, but they mask the reality for the majority of working families during the boom and bust years of mining in Cornwall and Devon. This illustrated talk by Terry Faull described this reality and contrasts it with those who made their fortune from copper and tin.
January
“The Real Poldark Inheritance”
with Terry Faull
Winston Graham’s Poldark novels and recent television series are works of fiction. However, these stories were meticulously researched and there were indeed those who used political intrigue and doubtful tactics to make money from mining.
Streaming for alluvial tin led to the boom years of the 14th century and with the advent of steam driven pumps in the 18th century facilitating deeper tin and copper mines such as Devon Great Consols, this meant even greater profits for landowners.
From early times the ownership of mineral rights and much of the financing for working them were controlled by the Crown or powerful landowners. They took no risks but leased land to private companies who had to raise their own capital, even taking a % of any profits and seeking compensation for loss of shooting rights!
Cost Book systems detailed all the finances, the review of which led to either further investment or debt. Deeper mines attracted bigger investors and c150 new banks were created by landowners, sometimes for political purposes and often failing. However, now with even more control, the landowners made huge profits. The Duke of Bedford started the Tavistock Savings Bank and his Devon Great Consols mining leases earned him around £20million compared to £1.6million from farming. The Bassetts and Williams families of Cornwall (Caerhays, Burncoose) built grand houses, parks and gardens from their profits.
In contrast, the miners worked in dangerous situations, living on low wages, in overcrowded cottages and poor conditions. Deductions were made from their pay for their tools, powder and candles and they were often paid only in tokens which had to be redeemed for goods at the mine shop. They often had to supplement their income by farming, but having to lease the land. Girls from the age of 10 worked as Bal maidens breaking up the ore. Accidents and disease were common. Although there were protests, the mine owners usually came down heavily on any complaints.
Many of the miners subsequently decided to try their luck in USA, Canada and Australia and a big trade developed from places such as Padstow and Appledore, people going out on ships and timber coming back. Lots of the miners did well and never came back, though many of their letters home still survive and tell their stories.
The Poldark stories are great fiction, but they mask the reality for the majority of working families during the boom and bust years of mining in Cornwall and Devon. This illustrated talk by Terry Faull described this reality and contrasts it with those who made their fortune from copper and tin.