MineArchiveSwindridge Muir Colliery
| Also known as | Swindridgemuir Colliery |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Beith, North Ayrshire — 55.7176, -4.6673 (approximate) |
| Commodities | Coal, Ironstone |
| Type | Coal |
| Worked | 1854–1905 |
| Maximum depth | Unknown. |
| Operators | Merry and Cunningham (1854–?), Glengarnock Iron and Steel Company (?–1905) |
Overview
Merry and Cunningham's colliery at Swindridgemuir, near Beith, opened in 1854 and later held by the Glengarnock Iron and Steel Company, discontinued by 1896.
History
Swindridge Muir Colliery lay near Beith in north Ayrshire, and was opened in 1854 by Merry and Cunningham. Plans of 1877-78 show pits at Swindridgemuir, Wheatyfauld and Barkip working coal and clay-band ironstone. Its recorded deaths over the next quarter-century were mostly falls of coal and roof, and several were children: boys of 13 and 12 killed at the face in 1862 and 1869. In 1873 a pony driver was killed when the cage was raised as he crossed it with an empty hutch; in 1876 a man and a boy died together securing a fall of roof; in 1877 a sinker fell down the shaft from the surface; and in 1880 a miner of 18 was killed when his shot went off before he got out of the way.
By 1893 Swindridge was held by the Glengarnock Iron and Steel Company, raising coal and ironstone under D. L. Smith as manager, and in 1894 it employed 47 men in manufacturing and steam coal. It was returned as discontinued in 1896 and 1905, and is recorded as closed in 1905.
Geology
Coal and clay-band ironstone of the north Ayrshire field.
Workings
Several numbered pits, among them No. 4 (clay-band ironstone), worked by cage shafts.
Closure
Discontinued by 1896; recorded as closed in 1905.
What remains
Unknown.
Related mines
- Dockra Ironstone Pit — Neighbouring Glengarnock Iron and Steel Company pits near Beith.
Nearby mines
- Dockra Ironstone Pit — 2.7 miles (4.3 km) E
- Doura Colliery — 3.5 miles (5.6 km) S
- Fergushill Colliery — 4.4 miles (7.1 km) S
- Ladyha Colliery — 4.9 miles (8.0 km) S
- Muirshiel Barytes Mine — 5.8 miles (9.4 km) N, Renfrewshire
Straight-line distance, within 9 miles (15 km). Show on the map.
Recorded claims
Individual factual claims, each attached to the source(s) that support it below. Where sources disagree, both are kept.
- Swindridge Muir Colliery, Beith, opened in 1854 and closed in 1905; its owners were Merry and Cunningham and the Glengarnock Iron and Steel Co. 1
- In 1893 Swindridge was listed under the Glengarnock Iron and Steel Co., raising coal and ironstone, with D. L. Smith as manager. 2
- Swindridge Muir employed 47 men in 1894 and was returned as discontinued in 1896. 1
- An abandonment plan of Swindridgemuir is dated 1878, with others of its clay-band ironstone pits from 1877-78. 3
Sources
- (primary) Swindridge Muir Colliery — Durham Mining Museum
- (primary) List of Mines in Scotland, 1893 — Scottish Mining Website
- (primary) BGS / Mining Remediation Authority mine plan 21904967: Swindridgemuir, abandoned 1878 — British Geological Survey
Record created: 21 October 2026 · Last researched: 21 October 2026