ABC Wednesday R for Røros

One of the most interesting towns I ever saw is Røros, in Norway. In 1644 copper ore was found in the mountains by accident . Legend has it that hunters chased after a deer which ran into the mountain and in its flight he kicked some earth away and revealed a copper veine. I don't know what happened to the deer, but life in Røros changed for ever after this. In the following year the first furnace was built near a waterfall in the river. Workers flooded to Røros to work in the copper foundry. Farming became a secondary occupation. The town has retained much of its original character, with houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The street pattern in the centre of the town is the same as it was constructed in the
1600s. The last time Røros was burnt was in 1678. For over 250 years Røros was among Norway's most important mining towns. The smallest houses near the furnace were occupied by short term workers, widows, gypsies musicians and unwed mothers.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with R.

I am away on a holiday and shall answer all comments when I return.