TOMMYKNOCKER

Tommyknockers are small fairy-like creatures said to inhabit mines. They knock on walls to warn miners of impending cave-ins or to lead them to rich veins of ore - but they also steal tools and food.

• ►Cornish immigrant miners brought the legends with them
• ►Reports continued through the mining era and beyond

Tommyknockers were brought to America by Cornish miners and became deeply embedded in Western mining culture. They served as both warning system and comfort in dangerous work.