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Happie Mine

Fife Energy Park, Denbeath, Methil, Fife.

Mine (Coal), 17th cent.

"There are many accounts of the 17th century "Happie Mine" at Methil which was struck from the shore, close to where the Wellesley (earlier Denbeath) Colliery was later sunk, into the heart of the lands now occupied by Kirkland and Methilhill. It apparently ran for a distance of around two miles through the various strata which are reported to have included seven different coal seams which, according to tales from that period, led the Earl of Wemyss to name it the Happie Mine as an indication of his pleasure at discovering such mineral wealth! The factual accounts of early mining in the Wemyss area which appear in early Statistical Accounts of Scotland also provide some details of this fantastic mining venture of that time." [Fife Pits]

"In the east ground of the parish, there are several workable seams of coal. The Right Hon. David Earl of Wemyss, (a nobleman of a great and public spirit), who kept a particular account of the coal, written with his own hand, mentions seven seams of coal which he had cut through in making a level mine from the sea-shore, which he drove upwards of 600 fathoms across the metals. In working this level in 1671, he observes, 'I am still working that level in stone, with two men in it day and night (except Sundays). I give them 10 s. Scots a-day, their bearers 4 s. Scots a-day, the windles men get 6 s. Scots a day or night. I sharp their picks and furnish their candles.'" [Statistical Account of Scotland]

Alternative Names: Happy Mine

Notes: The given coordinates are for a former outfall that existed on the foreshore beside Wellesley Colliery (see 1960 OS map), although this was probably a relatively modern culvert from under the colliery. Most of the Buckhaven Links foreshore area around the Wellesley Colliery site has been reclaimed / redeveloped by industrial land beyond recognition (e.g. Broadhills Rocks area now completely covered). No mine features are shown on the foreshore area on 19th century 1st or 2nd Ed. OS maps.

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None