East Lothian Courier | News | Digging even deeper

Thursday, 24th July, 2008

Published: Thursday, 3rd April, 2008 09:30

Digging even deeper

ARCHAEOLOGISTS are poised to begin the exciting second phase of investigations into the industrial history of the area around Prestongrange Mining Museum.

The three-year Prestongrange Community Archaeology Project will resume digging at the site, near Prestonpans, on Saturday, April 26. The work will run until October.

Dr Melanie Johnson, of CFA Archaeology Ltd, the professional supervisors on the dig, said: “Although this is a threeyear project, this is the last year we will be involved.

“So it is vital that we get as much out of this year’s work as possible. We are particularly concentrating on the glassworks and it would be great to find the kiln.”

Historical research shows that there has been industrial activity at the site since the 13th century.

The project will combine archaeology with historical research to find out as much as possible about industrial activity on the site before coal mining took place there.

This phase of work will focus on the 17th century glassworks, and also a 18th century pottery that has already been identified.

An underground stone building, thought to be a 17th century air flue, has been found.

This would have provided air to the glassworks as part of the glass-making process.

Italian pottery dating back to the 17th century has also been found, as the glassworks originally brought over Italian workers for their specialist skills.

East Lothian Council’s heritage officer, Biddy Simpson, said: “This year, a much larger area is being investigated and excavated.

“There are a number of objectives behind the 2008 fieldwork.

“First, we want to find out whether the 17th century air flue continues further to the east, and, secondly, we want to find out more information about the remains of several buildings within its vicinity.”

She added: “There are now 30 local volunteers on the project.

“Many of the volunteers are involved with the fieldwork, but we also have volunteers working behind the scenes on historical research and oral reminiscence projects.

“Later on in the year, we hope to set up projects specifically aimed at getting more young people involved with the project.”

The Community Archaeology Project has received funding of £140,000, with £50,000 coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £40,000 from East Lothian Council and the remainder from ScottishPower and the Society of Antiquaries.

There is an exhibition at Prestongrange Mining Museum of items that the digs have already uncovered and there will be an open day in September.

The exhibition called ‘Time Detectives: Prestongrange Community Archaeology Project’ opened last Saturday and will run until October 2008.

For more information about the project, and on, recent discoveries log on to the website: www.prestongrange.org/pcap

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