An Archaeological Study of Mining in the Early Modern Period and an 18th Century Mining Community Within the Vicinity of the Cistercian Abbey of Strata Florida
A mixed methodological approach was applied to investigate whether mining had taken place prior to the 19th century within a six-kilometre area centred on the Cistercian Abbey of Strata Florida, Wales. The outcome of the research concluded there were more mine workings than had been previously thought, with a total of 19 mines and 22 trials recorded. Archaeological excavations revealed evidence that mining had taken place in the Early Modern Period, also much earlier than had previously been recorded. Surveys of the mines showed that some of them had been worked for hundreds of years, with the earliest archaeologically dated mine, Bronberllan Mine, working as far back as the 1680s. An exploration of the social economic aspects of mining during the 1750s was also undertaken, based on documents and records relating to the mine of Esgair Mwyn. The study demonstrated that mines had been of significant importance for both the local and regional economy and had created well-developed trading links with other industries both within Wales and Great Britain. The study was also able to reveal that the lives of the workers were more varied than previous studies have indicated and that many had taken advantage of the numerous opportunities to enhance their position and financial income either through promotion, undertaking extra work or by providing goods and services required by the mine and other workers. A study of female mine workers during the 18th century was also made possible, revealing the wide variety of roles undertaken by women at that time. The results of this work have provided a unique insight into the working lives of the 18th century miner workers at Esgair Mwyn which now forms a base for future studies into both social and economic studies of Cardiganshire mining.
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