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Long Mine

Lathallan Den, Lathallan, Largoward, Fife.

Mine (Coal), 18th cent.

"The Long Mine was struck from Lathallan Den in the south to the Lathones Parrot Coal to the north of Largoward. The Long Mine meandered northwards, through the Largoward field and branched just north of Blakelyhill, one section continuing north through the Marl, Thick and Parrot Coals while another ran north-eastwards into the Cassingray coalfield, ending approx. 350 yds. north-west of the Bungs of Cassingray. Evidence is taken from a plan dated 1778, surveyed by by Robt. Mitchell of Estates of Lathones, Cordies Mealling, Largoward and Balcarres Ward, the property of James Durham, Esq., of Largo. Along the course of this Long Mine, at fairly regular intervals, a large number of open sinks (shallow pits) were put down to the local coal seams.

Around 1778, the mine is believed to have been of 3540 yards, upwards of 2 miles long, producing hard and soft coals, generally of good quality. The mine employed 37 people for the various purposes, with 2 grieves, and one oversman. [It is quite likely that some branches off the main mine in the northern part of the Largoward coalfield, and shown on the plan referred to above, were of a later date.]" [Fife Pits ¹]

"Eleven pits, some dating from the 18th century, are believed to have formed the nucleus of the old Lathallan Colliery which was in, and around, the grounds of Lathallan estate, just south of Largoward, on the Leven - St. Andrews road. Other pits, to the north of Largoward, are believed to have been worked for some time as 'Lathallan pits' under the ownership of Thomas Brown (see below) but are not numbered in this group of eleven workings." [Fife Pits ²]

Multiple old coal pits were located around the surrounding Lathallan area, marked on Geol' Survey map. It shows a line of pits under the name of 'Lathallan Colliery pit' as far NW as [NO 45768 06774], ca. 850m from level mouth site.

Alternative Names: None recorded.

Notes: Level listed on BGS GeoIndex, but no adit shown on MRA map. Given coordinates derived from the former, assumed to be the same site.

Given length approx (based on ca.3540 yards description).

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None