Treacle mining: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 02:05, 18 February 2025

Treacle Mining[edit]

Blackstrap molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining, often humorously associated with treacle mining.

Treacle mining is a humorous concept of mining a substance called "treacle," which is a thick, dark syrup made during the sugar refining process. The idea of treacle mining is a part of British folklore and is often used to describe a fictional or absurd activity.

History[edit]

The concept of treacle mining originated in the United Kingdom, where it became a popular joke in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The term "treacle" itself refers to a syrupy byproduct of sugar refining, known as molasses. The idea of mining such a liquid substance is inherently absurd, which is why it became a humorous notion.

Folklore and Cultural References[edit]

Treacle mining has been referenced in various forms of British culture, including literature and local folklore. It is often used to describe a nonsensical or impossible task, similar to "snipe hunting" in the United States. The concept has been mentioned in various humorous contexts, including Monty Python sketches and other comedic works.

Locations[edit]

Several locations in the UK have claimed to be the site of treacle mines, often as part of local folklore or as a tourist attraction. These include:

Related Concepts[edit]

Treacle mining is often associated with other humorous or fictional mining activities, such as the mining of moon cheese or unobtainium. These concepts are used to illustrate the absurdity of certain claims or ideas.

Related Pages[edit]

References[edit]

External Links[edit]

Treacle Mining Folklore

Blackstrap molasses
Micaceous hematite
Treacle Mine pub in Essex

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 == Treacle Mining ==
-Treacle mining is the fictitious mining of treacle (similar to molasses) in a raw form similar to coal. The subject purports to be a serious topic, but is an elaborate joke and can be traced back to 19th century England.
+[[File:Blackstrapmolasses.JPG|thumb|right|Blackstrap molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining, often humorously associated with treacle mining.]]
+'''Treacle mining''' is a humorous concept of mining a substance called "treacle," which is a thick, dark syrup made during the sugar refining process. The idea of treacle mining is a part of British folklore and is often used to describe a fictional or absurd activity.
 == History ==
+The concept of treacle mining originated in the United Kingdom, where it became a popular joke in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The term "treacle" itself refers to a syrupy byproduct of sugar refining, known as [[molasses]]. The idea of mining such a liquid substance is inherently absurd, which is why it became a humorous notion.
-The concept of [[Treacle mining]] was first recorded in 1853 in the English town of [[Wymsey]]. The town's inhabitants claimed that treacle was found in abundance beneath the town and was being mined. This was, of course, a joke, but it was taken seriously by some people, leading to the spread of the myth.
+== Folklore and Cultural References ==
+Treacle mining has been referenced in various forms of British culture, including literature and local folklore. It is often used to describe a nonsensical or impossible task, similar to "[[snipe hunting]]" in the United States. The concept has been mentioned in various humorous contexts, including [[Monty Python]] sketches and other comedic works.
-== Process ==
-The process of treacle mining is said to be very similar to that of coal mining. Miners would descend into the treacle mines using a [[winch]] and bucket, much like traditional coal miners. They would then use a variety of tools, such as [[pickaxes]] and [[shovels]], to extract the treacle from the ground.
 == Locations ==
+Several locations in the UK have claimed to be the site of treacle mines, often as part of local folklore or as a tourist attraction. These include:
-There are several locations in England that are associated with treacle mining. These include the towns of [[Tadley]], [[Saber]], and [[Bisham]]. Each of these towns has its own unique story and method of treacle mining, adding to the rich tapestry of the treacle mining myth.
+* [[Wymsey]] in [[Hampshire]]
+* [[Tadley]] in [[Berkshire]]
+* [[Billericay]] in [[Essex]]
-== Cultural Impact ==
+[[File:Treacle_Mine_pub_Essex.jpg|thumb|right|The Treacle Mine pub in Essex, named after the local folklore.]]
-Despite being a joke, treacle mining has had a significant cultural impact. It has been referenced in various forms of media, including books, films, and television shows. It has also inspired a number of festivals and events, such as the annual [[Treacle Miner's Day]] in Wymsey.
+== Related Concepts ==
+Treacle mining is often associated with other humorous or fictional mining activities, such as the mining of [[moon cheese]] or [[unobtainium]]. These concepts are used to illustrate the absurdity of certain claims or ideas.
-== See Also ==
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Molasses]]
-* [[Coal mining]]
+* [[Folklore]]
-* [[Wymsey]]
+* [[Humor]]
-* [[Tadley]]
-* [[Saber]]
-* [[Bisham]]
 == References ==
+{{Reflist}}
-* "The History of Treacle Mining in Wymsey." Wymsey Chronicle.
-* "Treacle Mining: The Sticky Truth." Tadley Historical Society.
-* "The Bisham Treacle Mine." Bisham Village History.
 == External Links ==
+* [https://www.example.com/treacle_mining Treacle Mining Folklore]
-* [http://www.wymsey.co.uk/wymsey/treacle.htm Wymsey Treacle Mines]
+[[Category:British folklore]]
-* [http://www.tadleyhistory.com/treacle-mining.html Tadley Treacle Mining]
+[[Category:Humor]]
-* [http://www.bishamvillage.co.uk/treacle-mine.html Bisham Treacle Mine]
+<gallery>
-{{dictionary-stub1}}
+File:Blackstrapmolasses.JPG|Blackstrap molasses
+File:Hematite_micaceous.jpg|Micaceous hematite
+File:Treacle_Mine_pub_Essex.jpg|Treacle Mine pub in Essex
+</gallery>