Subtle earthworks preserve exceptionally early evidence for coal extraction in the landscape that shaped Tranent.
Quick facts
- Date
- Medieval and early-modern; shafts documented from 1526
- Architect / designer
- Successive mining communities and landowners
- Type
- Medieval coal-mine earthworks and shafts
- Designation
- Scheduled monument (SM3352)
- OS grid reference
- NT 39287 72874
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
Shallow hollows, spoil and the sites of narrow shafts survive principally as archaeological features rather than buildings. Below ground, workings and access arrangements retain evidence for early mining technology.
Its story
Coal was worked around Tranent by the end of the thirteenth century. Documentary and physical evidence at Birsley Brae includes early shafts, some approached by spiral stairs, illustrating extraction before the large industrial collieries of later centuries.
Why it is included
The scheduled mine gives Tranent an unusually early and nationally important connection to Scotland’s coal industry, working life and underground engineering.
What to notice
- Low surface hollows rather than open mine entrances.
- Spoil and irregular ground associated with extraction.
- The relationship between archaeology and the wider coal-bearing landscape.
Reading the surroundings
Mine workings can be dangerous even when entrances appear closed. Remain on lawful paths, do not enter hollows or shafts, keep away from fenced or unstable ground and never dig or remove material.
Timeline
- Late 13th century Written evidence places coal extraction around Tranent by this period.
- 1526 Records describe early shafts associated with the Birsley Brae workings.
- 1958 Ordnance Survey investigators documented visible mining remains.
- 1973 National scheduling recognised the archaeology’s exceptional importance.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Much of the evidence is buried or expressed only as uneven ground; apparent hollows should not be interpreted without specialist survey.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Birsley Brae Medieval Coal Mine, SM3352 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove: Birsley Brae — National archaeological record of the mine remains, early documentation, field investigation and bibliography.
Location
OS grid reference NT 39287 72874 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; the independent source confirms the Place relationship, history or current identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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