Flint mill
Method of producing light to mining underground by holding a piece of flint against a rotating steel wheel. This was (officially) invented around 1740AD - but would be dangerous in the presence of firedamp.
2. A place where flint, after being roasted, is ground to dust. This was used in the pottery industry, (as on Tyneside). These watermills, as at Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, ground the flint so it could be used to lighten the colour of the clay and to harden it. Underwater grinding of the flint was also carried out. Flint bought in as ballast by the coal ships of the northeast was frequently used.
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