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Arkengarthdale Archaeology Group Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation Number 1155775 |
SWAAG Honorary President:
Tim Laurie F,S,A, |
| SWAAG News Archive | |
| News Archive | |
| Dr Arthur Raistrick - polymath | |
| Although most members were aware of Dr Arthur Raistrick’s books on the mines and smelting mills of Wensleydale and Swaledale, few of us knew what a prolific writer he was until we heard Dr Richard Smith’s talk. Richard is editor of the Northern Mine Research Society’s journal and co-author of four books on tin analysis, bulk sampling and lead mining in the West Pennines and Cornwall. He has published over 40 research papers on a variety of topics. He is particularly interested in medieval smelting and took part in the SWAAG/NMRS excavation of a lead smelting site, at Fremington, in 2013. His talk examined Raistrick’s contribution to mining history. Raistrick could be described as a polymath – he was a geologist, palynologist, archaeologist, academic and writer. Born in 1896, he graduated in civil engineering and later obtained a doctorate in geology. His pacifist views led to his imprisonment as a conscientious objector in the First World War. He became a Quaker and during the Second World War kept his earnings below the income tax threshold to avoid any contribution to the war effort. His employment prospects and academic career suffered. Raistrick was a pioneer of industrial archaeology, making a significant contribution to the understanding of the development of lead mining in the Pennines. He was particularly interested in the role of the London Lead Company, based in Middleton-in Teesdale, which was sometimes known as ‘The Quaker Company’ because of its origins. The company took a wide interest in their employees’ welfare, building houses, schools and libraries. In return they expected temperance and a high moral standard from their workers. Raistrick wrote several papers and books on the company’s contribution to industrial welfare. During his lifetime, until his death in 1991, Raistrick wrote over 300 books and research papers. He also played an important role in preserving mining archives for future generations. Many of his works are still relevant to study of mining history today and his accuracy has only occasionally been challenged. J. H. |
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| News Record: 191 Updated: 20-09-2024 15:40:09 | |