A Cheddar Circular Walk, Part III, 'Velvet Bottom' by Sheila, Nov 4th 2020
Channel: semw52
Date: 2020-11-08

'Velvet Bottom'--an indentation created  by the Romans and Victorians for lead mining--a small valley lined with the remnants of black shiny slag pieces created from the lead mining process---uneven surfaces  lumps and bumps now grassed over with time---now a conservation area and Nature reserve but once a place of putrid black smoke, chimneys , busy men covered in the  blackness of their work---some men became poisoned by the lead---the old Wells lunatic asylum  in the past saw many a  person suffering from the  terrible effects of the lead mining  business back in the Victorian times--yes it was a toxic environment  now reclaimed by Nature....but all around the  evidence of the past greets you--under the grass lies the history....More to come folks as I continue my wander--reflecting about the present times as I go---the 21st century Covid -19 days---with its restrictions, Lock-Downs etc..and its effects on  society today