There were coal mines in the park at Scotswood in 1375/6 when the tenants and their workmen were so frightened by the owner's neighbours that they dared not work them. In 1551 there is specific reference to the coal mines in Westmore (between Scotswood and the Wall) and Eastfield (east of Benwell village, north of Elswick Road), and a more general reference in 1578/9 to the existence of mines in the manor of Benwell.