Blaen y Cae


Slate Quarry
Worked from 1830 to 1930s

Jan 1st, 2024 from GWSI by Buddle-Bot

Nov 18th, 2025 by BertyBasset



North Wales
Cilgwyn
53.0583229, -4.2425785
SH 4981 5358
Private Land
150m
#1,301


The pit remains dry. Traces of the mill and other structures can be identified across the site, along with surviving tramway formations. The remains of a steam-powered Blondin system are present, including its collapsed masts. ***



This small open pit commenced operations around 1830. Material was initially lifted by chain incline to a mill situated west of the pit, though a Blondin ropeway later replaced this system. The finished slate traveled via the lower Fligwyn incline to reach the Nantlle Railway. Some waste was deposited on the opposite side of the incline. At its peak, the quarry employed approximately forty workers and achieved annual output of around eight hundred tons. It eventually became part of the Tal y Sarn operation before closing during the 1930s.


Publications (5)

  • Gwyn, David, (2015); Welsh Slate: archaeology and history of an industry; Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales; 9781871184518
  • Lindsay, Jean (1974); History of the North Wales Slate Industry; David & Charles; pp.310; ISBN 0-71536-264-X
  • Richards, Alun J. (2013); Slate Quarrying in Wales; Gwasg Carreg Gwalch; ISBN 1-84527-026-6
  • Richards, Alun John (1991); Gazeteer of the Welsh Slate Industry, A; Gwasg Carreg Gwalch 978-0863811968
  • Richards, Alun John, (1999); The Slate Regions of North and Mid Wales and their Railways; Gwasg Carreg Gwalch; 0863815560





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