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All the United Kingdom Scotland 1722 Waggonway Project
AO Edited

1722 Waggonway Project

A small museum dedicated to the ongoing archaeological works around what is likely Scotland's oldest railway.

Cockenzie, Scotland

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linkogecko
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1722 Waggonway Project   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
A modern reconstruction of the wagons, named James Paterson in honor of its first casualty.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
1722 Waggonway Project   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
1722 Waggonway Project   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
1722 Waggonway Project   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
1722 Waggonway Project   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
1722 Waggonway Project   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
1722 Waggonway Project   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
Nearby Cockenzie Harbour, the waggonway’s terminus.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
1722 Waggonway Project   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
1722 Waggonway Project   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Waggonways are a peculiar type of rail transport, consisting of wooden wheeled vehicles that are pulled by horses along a rail, most commonly made of metal, but occasionally of wood as well. The predecessor of the waggonway originated in mines of mainland Europe, but the type exemplified in Cockenzie was an English innovation from the 1600s.

By the next century, in 1722, the waggonway made its way north to Scotland. Coal mining in the town of Tranent was connected to the port and salt pans in Cockenzie by a waggonway built by the York Buildings Company. This waggonway's wheels, wagons, and rails remained wooden until 1815, when the rails were upgraded to iron.

The waggonway had a long, prominent history, such as its function as a defensive line during the mid-18th century Battle of Prestonpans. James Paterson was also part of that history, as he is believed to have been the first casualty of a rail accident in the United Kingdom. He was a young boy in charge of the waggonway's manual brake and was struck and killed by the wagon due to a brake malfunction.

After this historical run, the Cockenzie Waggonway was eventually abandoned, and its rediscovery in the 21st-century lead to the establishment of the 1722 Waggonway Project. The project carries out excavations of the waggonway rails and associated industrial installations, along with the museum that accompanies the waggonway history in Cockenzie, not far from the harbor that was once its terminus.

The museum incorporates scale models, showcasing areas such as the mines and waggonway across several decades and centuries, as well as displays related to the industries that were responsible for the transport being established. Tools used in the (as of late 2021) ongoing excavations, waste from glassmaking, and reproductions of offices and workshops of figures closely related to the waggonway complete the experience.

Related Tags

Railroads Artifacts History & Culture Museums

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As a volunteer-run project, the museum opens sporadically on the weekends, it is recommended to check the website beforehand to verify if it will be open before your visit.

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Flavors of Scotland: Beyond the Haggis

Smoked seafood, single malt whisky, and warm hospitality.

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linkogecko

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December 17, 2021

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Sources
  • https://www.historyscotland.com/history/the-1722-waggonway-project/
  • https://www.cockburnassociation.org.uk/dod/1722-waggonway-museum/
  • https://www.island-publishing.co.uk/WRC_mirror/what_is_waggonway.htm
  • http://www.heritagepaths.co.uk/pathdetails.php?path=419
1722 Waggonway Project
1 W Harbour Rd
Cockenzie, Scotland, EH32 0HX
United Kingdom
55.969601, -2.964707
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Chalmers Memorial Church

Port Seton, Scotland

miles away

Robert Burns Memorial Shelter

Prestonpans, Scotland

miles away

Preston Market Cross

Prestonpans, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 734
Stories 49

Nearby Places

Chalmers Memorial Church

Port Seton, Scotland

miles away

Robert Burns Memorial Shelter

Prestonpans, Scotland

miles away

Preston Market Cross

Prestonpans, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 734
Stories 49

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