Treacle mining is a joke about mining black treacle in a raw form similar to coal. The subject purports to be serious but is an attempt to test credulity. Thick black treacle makes the deception plausible. The topic has been a joke in British humour since the mid-19th century.
Black treacle
Micaceous hematite, a possible source for some treacle mine stories
The Treacle Mine public house in Thurrock, Essex
Sabden is a village and civil parish in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, England. Sabden is located south of Pendle Hill, in a valley about three miles north west of Padiham. The parish covers 2,450.9 acres (991.85 ha), of which 103.2 acres (41.75 ha) is occupied by the village. It lies in the Forest of Pendle section of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Sabden viewed from Padiham Heights
Whalley Road looking east
Sabden Bridge
Padiham Road looking north