Newbattle Abbey

The Cistercian abbey in Midlothian whose monks were working coal at Prestongrange in the 12th century — the earliest colliery recorded in writing anywhere in Scotland. Monastic houses were among the first systematic coal workers in Britain, digging fuel for their own use and for sale.

Mines operated

Record created: 24 August 2026 · Last researched: 24 August 2026