East Maeshafn

aka Glyndwr


Lead Mine

Worked from 1866 to 1893

Jan 1st, 2024 from Cambrian by Buddle-Bot

Feb 16th, 2025 by BertyBasset



North Wales
Maeshafn
53.140892, -3.1665339
SJ 2207 6105
Private Land
260m
#360


Principal workings consist of deep, stone-lined shafts, including the Old or North-West Shaft located within the garden of a former mine agent’s house (now a modern bungalow), and the Engine Shaft, which was significantly deeper at 144 yards. Pellow’s Shaft, at a depth of 90 yards, lies to the west. The shaft sites are spread out, with further shafts to the south of a public footpath that runs east to west.

There is a trackway believed to connect the Maeshafn settlement with Glyndwr, facilitating transport to and from the mine. The remnants of the Engine House at the Engine Shaft (SJ 2205 6105) are still visible, along with its associated walls and a probable chimney base. Additionally, a depression at SJ 2195 6110 suggests the location of a former pool that might have served the dressing floors, though no clear evidence of the dressing floors remains.

The site of the former mine office has been repurposed into two semi-detached bungalows (SJ 2185 6105). There is also an earthwork enclosure near the engine house and the remains of a stone cottage in the field to the east. Although no concrete evidence of a lead smelter was found, the owner of the bungalow suggested one might have been located there, perhaps repurposing the engine house’s wall structure.

Although evidence of processing and a lead smelter is largely lacking, local accounts suggest a smelter may have existed on the site.



Publications (3)

  • (1921); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol XIX - Lead and Zinc: in Carboniferous of North Wales; 169 pages
  • Bull, D. E. (2003); Tir Gofal Management Plan: Heritage Management Information (HE1). Fron Farm
  • King, Tony (2005/6); Maes y Safn Lead Mine. The; Transactions of the Denbighshire Historical Society : 54 : 23-54





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