Image ID: 08374

A Flint Knapper - an old Farnsfield resident

Farnsfield
England

Flint is a very hard black mineral similar in composition to glass, which when worked correctly, is capable of a very sharp cutting edge. It is found naturally as nodules in chalk and it often forms layers in various shapes and sizes. Neolithic miners dug flint out from chalk some 4000+ years ago, the miners used the flint to make all kinds of blades, from scrapers to axes and spear-heads at a time before humans had the ability to smelt metal ores for tools and weapons. In more recent times, flint was mined in the area by solitary miners. Much of this was knapped into gun-flints to spark gunpowder. Flint was also used with stone to create buildings. In the 14th century, it began to be used decoratively in architecture, as displayed on many fine old ecclesiastical and civic buildings. The skill of Flint Knapping has gradually declined, as have many rural skills, due to modern materials and processes, and the hard nature of the work. Knappers suffered from spinal problems, silicosis (stone dust on the lungs) and cuts from sharp flint chips (note the bent back, leather gloves and protective eye goggles of the flint knapper shown here.)

Organisation:

Rate this image:

KeywordsFlintKnapperstonegeologyoldelderlymanworkerruraltradesskillscraftsrocksworkbenchfieldhedgestoolvictorianindustryindustrial