Arniston Colliery, Emily Pit

A desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out in advance of a proposed development at Redheugh, near Gorebridge, Midlothian. The study area included a well-preserved 19th century courtyard farm (Redheugh) and an upstanding stretch of the Edinburgh-Dalkeith Railway (Arniston Branch).

It also incorporated, along its western edge, the former site of the Prestonholm Mill. Founded in the late eighteenth century, the Prestonholm Mill had once represented an extensive flax mill with mill buildings and a number of ancillary structures which would have included workers’ accommodation. Also associated with the site was Prestonholm House (NMRS NT36SW 137).

A ‘subterranean passage’ recorded in the NMRS in the vicinity seems likely to have been a lade or culvert associated with the mill – a similar feature is shown on Roy’s Map of 1747-55, suggesting that the there had been an earlier mill structure here prior to the founding of the flax mill.

The mill buildings may have been demolished following their acquisition by the Earl of Dalhousie in the late nineteenth century Since that time, late twentieth century coal mining activities and subsequent landscaping appear to have obliterated all trace of the earlier structures, though a dump of worked stone near the site of Prestonholm House could still be seen and an isolated stretch of walling was identified elsewhere.

Two structures (Rathmell S4 and S5) were recorded to the N of the location of Prestonholm Mill. S4 was described as a low rectangular feature measuring roughly 28m by 19m in extent overlain by a large bund at the W side. It survives as an earthen bank upstanding to a height of 0.4m. S5 was described as the remnants of a stone structure, comprising short length of walling measuring 6m in length and upstanding to a height of 0.6m. It had been rebuilt in recent times in places. At this location on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map are two roofed structures within two small enclosures. Although in the report they are suggested to be modern features, due to their location and the associated structures visible on the map, it is likely these are 18th century structures associated with the nearby mill.

A rectilinear structure or enclosure measuring 64m by 15m in visible extent, represented by low, grass-covered footings was recorded (S17). It occupies a terraced platform and may represent the precursor of Redheugh farmsteading, shown on Thomson’s map of 1832.

Information from Thomas Rees and Louise Turner (Rathmell Archaeology), 20th April 2010

OASIS ID: rathmell1-74951