16th April 2013, 07:54 PM
Most tanning pits used a mixture of oak bark and urine.....but my experience suggests there is also some reaction with the clay that lined the pits, perhaps creating some kind of lye that would explain the corrosive effect on modern skin. Beaing in mind the original intention of the pit that is hardly surprising....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...