Welsh slate, renowned for its versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal, has left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of the world. Among the many slate quarries in Wales, Rhosgadfan Quarry in Gwynedd holds a significant place in history. This article delves into the rise and legacy of Rhosgadfan Quarry, exploring its impact on the local community and the global slate industry.
Early History and Development
Rhosgadfan Quarry, situated on the slopes of Moel Tryfan in Gwynedd, emerged as a key player in the slate quarrying regions of Wales during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its development was influenced by the difficulties of accessing Moel Tryfan, making it a later addition to the slate quarrying industry. The quarry's location in the boggy eastern slopes earned it the nickname "Chwarel y Gors" or swamp quarry among the predominantly Welsh-speaking population.
Historical records indicate that the lease for Rhosgadfan Quarry was granted to John Roberts and John Morgan in 1824. However, it wasn't until ten years later that significant progress was made when John Collins sank a shaft near the earlier workings. William W Griffith, the works manager of Moelwyn Quarry, and Benjamin Lloyd of the Grapes Inn, Maentwrog, secured a lease for a portion of the land in 1861. This marked the beginning of a new era for Rhosgadfan Quarry.
The Birth of the Alexandra Slate Company
With the lease secured, William W Griffith and Benjamin Lloyd attracted wealthy investors, including Sir Thomas Bateson, to form the Alexandra Slate Company Ltd in 1863. The company took its name from Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who had recently married the Prince of Wales. Under the management of Morris Jones, operations at the quarry focused on removing overburden to access the high-quality slate rock beneath.
Despite initial setbacks and a decrease in the number of workers, the persistence of the Alexandra Slate Company led to the discovery of a promising slate vein. Charles Easton Spooner, a consulting engineer, proposed a deep adit driven from the north of the site to intercept the slate veins visible in the adjacent Moel Tryfan Quarry. This adit proved successful in uncovering good-quality rock, solidifying the quarry's potential.
Expansion and Industrialization
In 1874, a new Alexandra Slate Company Ltd was formed, marking a period of expansion and industrialization for Rhosgadfan Quarry. Samuel Bateson, the brother of Sir Thomas Bateson, took charge as the managing director, and the quarry's production saw a significant increase. The introduction of a sinuous railway connecting the quarry to the Bryngwyn Drumhead facilitated the transportation of slate tiles to harbors for international shipping.
As the demand for Welsh slate grew, Rhosgadfan Quarry became a major supplier for various construction projects worldwide. Its slates were used in the construction of buildings in New York, including half of the city's structures, and the Governor's Palace at Williamsburg in Virginia. The decorative properties of Welsh slates also found favor in the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, Australia, and the terraced houses built in cities such as Liverpool, Bristol, London, and Dublin.
Utilizing Slate in Everyday Life
Welsh slate's versatility extended beyond roofing. It found widespread use in various aspects of everyday life. In rural Wales, slate was commonly employed for gravestones, ensuring the preservation of memories and epitaphs for generations. Slate fences dotted the Welsh countryside, serving as sturdy and long-lasting boundaries. Billiard tables made of slate became a staple in London clubs and grand National Trust properties, known for their smooth playing surfaces.
The non-conductive nature of slate made it ideal for mounting electrical switchboards until the late 1960s. It also found unconventional applications, such as being used for urinals in public conveniences and for brewery vats, cisterns, and dairy and larder shelves. Additionally, slate played a role in education, with children using slate pencils and ciphering slates to learn writing and arithmetic.
Slate's Rich History: Roman to Medieval
The use of Welsh slate predates the industrialization of the quarrying industry. Evidence suggests that the Romans utilized Welsh slate for roofing, as seen in the roofs of the Roman bath house at Tremadoc, which were covered with blue-vein slate from the Nantlle quarries. Similar slate tiles were used in the roofs of Roman barracks at Chester and the late-Roman villa at Abermagwr.
The medieval period also witnessed the continued use of slate as a roofing material. The 13th-century palace of the princes of Gwynedd, near Newborough on Anglesey, provides archaeological evidence of slate's presence. Edward I's builders extensively employed local slate in the construction of castles and bastide towns from 1277 onwards. Welsh slate was exported to various regions, including Cheshire, Shropshire, Bristol, and the east coast of Ireland.
The Slate Industry's Golden Age
The 19th century marked the golden age of the Welsh slate industry, and Rhosgadfan Quarry played a significant role in this period of expansion. The demand for slate rapidly grew with urban expansion and the development of railways. The Ffestiniog quarries' contract to supply slate for the rebuilding of Hamburg after the Great Fire of 1842 propelled the industry forward. The UK railway network and the abolition of tariffs further facilitated the trade, leading to a peak in Welsh slate exports in 1889.
To meet the increasing demand, quarries like Rhosgadfan operated round the clock, employing men and boys who were recruited from local farms. The transition from small-scale operations to mass production necessitated the adoption of new technologies such as mills, water wheels, steam engines, and pumps. Narrow-gauge railways replaced horse-drawn carts, enabling the efficient transport of slate from quarries to harbors.
The Legacy of Rhosgadfan Quarry
The impact of Rhosgadfan Quarry on the local community and the global slate industry cannot be overstated. The quarry created employment opportunities for the residents of Rhosgadfan and nearby villages, contributing to the local economy. The distinctive landscapes shaped by the quarrying activities, characterized by vast terraces and underground chambers, stand as a testament to the industry's heyday.
Today, efforts are underway to preserve the historic features of Rhosgadfan Quarry and the surrounding areas. The remnants of the long and winding cart roads used to transport slate before mechanization, as well as the railways that replaced them, provide a glimpse into the past. The waste tips, forming towering hills of fractured slate, serve as a reminder of the immense effort required to extract the precious slate blocks.
Conclusion
Rhosgadfan Quarry and the wider Welsh slate industry have left an enduring legacy. The quarry's contribution to roofing materials, construction, and everyday objects has shaped the architectural landscape of Wales and beyond. The rise and success of Rhosgadfan Quarry epitomize the industrious spirit and skill of the Welsh slate-makers who "roofed the world." Today, the quarry's historical significance is celebrated, ensuring that the story of Welsh slate continues to captivate and inspire future generations.
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Visit Caernarfon