Robert W. Vernon

Robert Vernon has a background in geology and mining. During the 1980s he co-authored the Mines of the Gwydyr Forest series of books with John Bennett and one volume on the Metal Mines of Llanengan, all in North Wales. On leaving the coal industry he gained a Doctorate in archaeological geophysics specialising in the geophysical responses produced by metal-working sites. This research generated the co-authored booklet on the medieval iron working site at Myers Wood, near Huddersfield, as well as numerous papers on the subject.

Robert has always had an interest in mining history, and is involved with the study of British mining companies that worked in Spain, more particularly the Linares lead mining area in Andalusia. He has written various books and articles on the area, including one about the Sopwith's family involvement with the La Tortilla mine.

His latest work, Don Regino, which he has co-authored with his wife Margaret, details the life of Reginald Bonham Carter (a distant relative of the actress Helena), an English mechanical engineer who went to Linares at the end of the 19th century and who died there in a mining accident. The book is based on over 400 letters that Reginald wrote to his parents and other family members. Don Regino has been well received, by fellow mining historians.