Shafts are visible in various locations, including a single shaft south of Kelston Farm at SJ 1030 8220, and several others northwest of the farm at SJ 1030 8275, SJ 1020 8265, SJ 1010 8255, and SJ 1010 8265. These shafts are now made safe and appear as grass-covered mounds on pasture fields. At the southern extremity of the site, a shaft is visible at SJ 1025 8220. Older shafts in the early 19th century were located near Pentre Farm (SJ 0954 8286), with a single shaft visible at SJ 0950 8289. To the south of Pentre, later quarrying has occurred. Another shaft remains east of the school at SJ 0963 8298, with housing (Marian Close) built on former waste areas. The shafts extended eastward across Home Farm.
The mineral railway ran from the dressing floor areas west of Engine Shaft, crossing Llanasa Road and continuing northward to the smithy and shaft at SJ 1000 8310. The Cornish Engine House, standing at SJ 0980 8290, was due for demolition in 1993. Though rendered, the stonework remains in good condition, with the interior adapted for workshop use and the roof corrugated in the 1950s.
The processing area is now lost to housing developments on Marian Close.
Documents from James Kyrke’s estate, including mining interests from 1849, list his shares in the Talacre Lead Mine and other mines in Llanasa, along with mining implements like rails, whimseys, and waggons. The row of cottages on Llanasa Road at SJ 0960 8310 belonged to the mine, with Woodland and King’s Cottage serving as workers’ cottages, and Cartref Tegfan as the Manager’s house.
The Talacre Mine Company and Gronant Lead Mining Company operated in the same areas, merging in 1881. The older, shallower workings on the vein were located northwest of Kelston Farm (SJ 1040 8250), where lead was extracted from several shafts and opencuts.
The mining operations included a 60“ pumping engine and two boilers, listed for sale in the 1868 Mining Journal. In 1886, an 18“ winding and air compressor engine was also advertised.
In 1892, the Talacre District Mining and Drainage Company took over the mines and continued operations until 1907. The mines were sold in 1920 as part of the Talacre Estate, with some continued quarrying for gravel and spar.
External Links
Publications (1)
- Williams, C. J. & Bick, D. (1992); List of metalliferous mine sites of industrial archaeological importance