Scottish shale Scottish shale

Bridgehouse - old pits

Parish:
Torphichen, Linlithgowshire
Local authority:
West Lothian
Opened:
c.1832
Closed:
c.1855
Current status of site:
Site developed for housing.
Regional overview:
Pits - pre 1855

Coal was worked on a small scale in the lands of Bridgehouse in around 1780. In 1832 the then landowner, Alexander Wardrop, sunk a trial bore to prospect for coal, and then offered a lease of the minerals and a contribution towards the cost of developing a pit. By 1838 a "pit fitted up with steam machinery" was in operation. A 20hp high pressure engine was referred to as being active in 1846. Both references presumably relate the "old coal pit" marked on the 1855 OS map, close to the site of the present-day Bridgehouse Rows.

  • Location map

    References

    COAL TO BE LET IN THE COUNTY OF LINLITHGOW.

    THE COAL in the Lands of BRIDGEHOUSE, lying in the parish of Torphichen and county of Linlithgow. A small part of this Coal was wrought above 50 years ago, and the same was known to have been of an excellent quality. But a fresh bore was put down last year, when it was found at 14 fathoms. It lies within three miles of Bathgate, six of Linlithgow, and 4 of the Union Canal at Woodcockdale, that along with the country sale, the tenant may command an extensive market by the Canal. The line of the intended Railway between Glasgow and Edinburgh passes within about 200 yards of the march, so that the tacksman will have the benefit of the railway when it is made. The coal will be let for such number of years can be agreed upon; and should it require a steam engine, a certain part of the expense of erecting it, as well as of putting down the pit, will be allowed by the proprietor, who will be ready to let the coal in every respect upon liberal terms. For particulars apply Alexander Wardrop, the proprietor, Bridgehouse, by Bathgate; or to William Patrick, W.S., Edinburgh. 28th May, 1832.

    Edinburgh Evening Courant, 28th May 1832

    .......

    LINLITHGOWSHIRE COAL AND IRONSTONE TO LET .

    THE COAL and IRONSTONE lying within part of the Lands of BRIDGEHOUSE and SOUTH LOGIEBRAE, extending to 150 imperial acres or thereby, belonging to John Wardrop, Esq., lying in the parish of Torphichen, and county of Linlithgow. The Coal was wrought about fifty years ago , and is known to be of an excellent quality. More recently, it has been partially worked, and proved by borings . The seam last wrought is about 25 inches thick , of good quality; and a bore in the same field, only 15 fathoms deep, reports a seam about 30 inches thick; and it is believed there are other seam of greater thickness at a greater depth. Ball Ironstone, of a superior quality , has been found at a few fathoms from the surface. A pit was lately sunk and fitted up with steam machinery for working the coal, and which was very recently repaired. Specimens of the coal and ironstone will be seen at Bridgehouse, and a person there will point out the boundaries. It lies within three miles of Bathgate, six of Linlithgow, and four and a half of the Union Canal at Woodcockdale; so that along with the country sale, the tenant may command an extensive market by the Canal. Besides, a branch of the Slamannan Railway cuts a corner of the lands, and which, when formed, will open up to him both the Edinburgh and the Glasgow market. Offers (post-paid ) for a lease, at a fixed rent yearly or , in the option of the proprietor, of a Lordship, may be addressed to JOHN SMITH , writer , Bathgate , who will inform as to farther parliculars Bridgehouse, 14th Feb. 1839

    The Scotsman, 13th February 1839

    .......

    A short way east from the Bridgecastle pits, the same bed of coal has been worked at Bridgehouse, where there is a high-pressure engine of 20 horse power.

    On the mines, minerals and geology of West Lothian - Charles Forsyth, Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, III series, vol 2. 1846