Publications
Woodcolliers and Charcoal Burning, by Lyn Armstrong, published 1980 (96 pp., Horsham: Coach Publishing House Ltd. and Singleton: The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, ISBN-10: 090525905X & ISBN-13: 9780905259055) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 7407] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Review by A. J. Haselfoot in Sussex Industrial History, 1980:The book contains a surprising amount of information collected by its author during her detailed research on the subject. The introduction gives a review of the historical background of charcoal burning in England from the earliest days up to the 18th century; the main uses being as a fuel for the production and forging of iron and, after c 1300, for the manufacture of gunpowder. This is followed by two chapters on The Charcoal Burner's Life and Hut Building. Owing to the need for constant attention, day and night, to the burning kiln it was necessary for the burner to live practically next door to the kiln and the use of temporary huts was essential in an industry carried on in the depths of the forests. Illustrations of huts from different parts of the country are given together with descriptions of their construction. An attempt has also been made to estimate the relative affluence (or otherwise) of charcoal burners in the 16th and 17th centuries from the wills and inventories left by some of them. A few may have been able to employ other men to assist them. It is interesting to learn that Croydon was a great centre for charcoal burning in the 16th century, largely for supplying the house-holders of London and the local smithies. As a result it became notorious for its smoke, dirt and the toughness of its inhabitants.
Nearly half the booklet is taken up with a description of the kilns, their construction and operation. A long extract from a paper by John Evelyn in 1662 is complemented by the recollections of old retired charcoal burners at the present day. This chapter is very well illustrated with photographs of kilns in many parts of Britain as well as some in Europe and Africa, drawings of kilns and burners' tools by a retired burner, and some engravings from Evelyn's book 'Sylva' and from other sources showing European kilns. Evelyn states that charcoal was generally of three sorts; for iron production, for gunpowder manufacture, and for domestic use in London and at the Court.
An attempt is made to assess the yield and value from a kiln. This proves to be a very difficult matter and the main conclusion is that there was a wide variation between different regions and different periods. Short chapters follow on Modern Methods and the Uses of Charcoal and its By-products. The first mention of metal retorts for burning appears to be by Arthur Young in 1808 of an installation at Northchapel near Petworth and two drawings show a retort at the gunpowder factory at Faversham, Kent, at the end of the 18th century. A description of the erection and operation of a modern portable metal kiln, with drawings and photographs, is also given. Among the uses of charcoal at the present day its employment as a filter is second only to its use in various matalurgical processes and an Appendix by Dr. H. Frost, explains the way in which it works as a filter.
The book is very good value for the great wealth of information, both textual and illustrative, on a subject that was vitally important to the economy of Britain for many centuries. In a book of this sort, as all measurements must, perforce be given in Imperial Units and the old currency it would be helpful to readers of our young and future generations, who may be unfamiliar with the old units, to have included simple convertion tables.
Nearly half the booklet is taken up with a description of the kilns, their construction and operation. A long extract from a paper by John Evelyn in 1662 is complemented by the recollections of old retired charcoal burners at the present day. This chapter is very well illustrated with photographs of kilns in many parts of Britain as well as some in Europe and Africa, drawings of kilns and burners' tools by a retired burner, and some engravings from Evelyn's book 'Sylva' and from other sources showing European kilns. Evelyn states that charcoal was generally of three sorts; for iron production, for gunpowder manufacture, and for domestic use in London and at the Court.
An attempt is made to assess the yield and value from a kiln. This proves to be a very difficult matter and the main conclusion is that there was a wide variation between different regions and different periods. Short chapters follow on Modern Methods and the Uses of Charcoal and its By-products. The first mention of metal retorts for burning appears to be by Arthur Young in 1808 of an installation at Northchapel near Petworth and two drawings show a retort at the gunpowder factory at Faversham, Kent, at the end of the 18th century. A description of the erection and operation of a modern portable metal kiln, with drawings and photographs, is also given. Among the uses of charcoal at the present day its employment as a filter is second only to its use in various matalurgical processes and an Appendix by Dr. H. Frost, explains the way in which it works as a filter.
The book is very good value for the great wealth of information, both textual and illustrative, on a subject that was vitally important to the economy of Britain for many centuries. In a book of this sort, as all measurements must, perforce be given in Imperial Units and the old currency it would be helpful to readers of our young and future generations, who may be unfamiliar with the old units, to have included simple convertion tables.