Steep cliffside workings largely inacessible from the top. A set of steps carved into the cliff gives access from the sea. Has a level and shaft blocked by tram.
Also some references to copper and lead.
Info based on that received by Tony Oldham from Harold Morris. See linked CaMoA for diagram.
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Rock-cut Steps
A flight of steps has been carved into the rock cliff, leading down to a rock ledge situated just a few feet above the low tide mark. -
Tunnel and Zawn Access
From the rock ledge, an open cutting provides access to a tunnel. At point X, the tunnel runs straight and opens into a small zawn. It continues briefly on the far side before emerging onto the cliff face.
To the west, the tunnel also extends in a straight line, though the roof height is reduced due to debris—stones and sand—deposited by the sea. This section leads to a T-junction. The southern branch ends after a few feet, while the northern branch opens into a natural fissure. -
Mined-out Cave
A large, excavated cave includes a raised step about 12 feet high located a few yards inside. At the back of the cave, a short climb leads to a short level passage. -
Shaft in Cave Roof
In the roof of the cave’s outer chamber, a vertical shaft breaks through to the surface. This shaft—identified as point Y—is obstructed by an old mining tram. -
High Quarry Bench
A quarry bench is located high on the cliff, split in two by a large rock outcrop. However, a narrow, vertical-sided cut connects both halves. The top of shaft Y is visible in the floor of the southernmost bench. -
Sea-level Tunnel
Another undeveloped tunnel exists at sea level. It can be accessed by carefully scrambling down a grassy rock slope beneath the quarry bench.
MJ 1875 p 603:
North Anglesey (Point Ælianus) Slate and Slab Quarry Company. Incorporated 1870 require £5000; £2300 to pay debts and £2700 to proceed. “Extraordinary large vein of pure blue slate, vertical face of 150 feet rising to 400 feet - 10 million cubic yards” [a good puff!]
External Links
Publications (6)
- Mining Journal 1872 p 1117
- Mining Journal 1875 p 603
- Oldham, Tony (1992); Caves and Mines of Anglesey; 75 pages
- Richards, Alun John (1991); Gazeteer of the Welsh Slate Industry, A; pp. 25
- The London Gazette 1878 5738; 7152;
- Welsh Mines Society (23) item 31