Treacle mining

Treacle Mining

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.

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.

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:

• Wymsey in Hampshire
• Tadley in Berkshire
• Billericay in Essex

The Treacle Mine pub in Essex, named after the local folklore.

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.

Related Pages

• Molasses
• Folklore
• Humor

External Links

• Treacle Mining Folklore

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  Blackstrap molasses

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  Micaceous hematite

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  Treacle Mine pub in Essex