The quarried area now forms part of a country park. The route of the railway can be followed down and onto the breakwater (though public vehicle access has now been stopped on the breakwater).
CaMoA has an adit situated at SH 2276 8309
Should add Quartizte to list of products.
The quarries were opened in 1848 to supply quartzite to build the new Holyhead Breakwater. Limestone was also calcined onsite for use in the construction. A broadguage railway was built to transport the cut stone blocks and rubble. This breakwater is the longest example in the UK and approximately 7.25 million tonnes of stone were moved. The railway remained in use for maintenance of the breakwater until 1913 when it was replaced with a new standard guage line which was used up until the 1980s.
Following completion of the breakwater in 1875 the quarry continued to supply limestone commercially until 1973.
Country Park. Open
External Links
Publications (2)
- Oldham, Tony (1992); Caves and Mines of Anglesey; 75 pages
- Strahan A. (1920); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol VI - Refactory Materials. Ganister, Silica Sand, Dolomite; 258 pages
