Early records show that coal was worked in Tynemouth during the latter part of the thirteenth century, and that the monks were then already deriving an income from collieries there. After its dissolution in 1539, the site, lands etc. of Tynemouth Priory were leased for 21 years to Sir Thomas Hilton. His account of 1538-39 includes in the list of property "a Mine of Coal in Tynemouth, which at the time of the dissolution was in the Prior's own possession", and was worth $2 6s 8d. There is no clue as to its location.