[ClearCase_guy]

My recollection is that the UK was an ancient source of tin, not an importer.

[agere_contra]

That’s correct, most of it from Cornwall (which is right next to Devon). This stuff must have been on its way out.

[twigs]

I thought so, too.

[SunkenCiv]

Tin was mined in western Britain, and you’re right it has long been suspected that the mines supplied tin for the Mediterranean bronze industry, via Phoenician and later Greek middlemen.

[blam]

"My recollection is that the UK was an ancient source of tin, not an importer."

Ditto

The Phoenicians blockaded the Straits at Gilbrater to prevent other nations from obtaining tin from the UK.

I believe an overland route was eventually established across either France or Spain that bypassed the Phoenician blocade.

[r9etb]

My recollection is that the UK was an ancient source of tin, not an importer.

The article notes that; but apparently Germany or the Iberian peninsula were producers as well.

Luckily, it's generally possible to determine the source of these metals based on the relative isotope ratios and such. You've got to figure they'll be checking on that, as the results would have significant implications.

[decimon]

My recollection is that the UK was an ancient source of tin, not an importer.

But Oz never did give nothing to the tin man that he didn't, didn't already have.