- Penrhyn Quarry
The Penrhyn Slate Quarry is a
slate quarry located near Bethesda in northWales . It is reputed to be the world's largest slate quarry: the mainpit is nearly a mile long and 1200 feet deep.The quarry was first developed in 1770 by
Richard Pennant , laterBaron Penrhyn although it is likely that small-scale slate extraction on the site began considerably earlier. Slates from the quarry were transported to the sea atPort Penrhyn on the narrow gaugePenrhyn Quarry Railway built in 1798, one of the earliest railway lines. In the 19th century the Penrhyn Quarry, along with theDinorwic Quarry , dominated the Welsh slate industry.The quarry holds a significant place in the history of the British
Labour Movement as the site of two prolonged strikes by workers demanding better pay and safer conditions. The first strike lasted eleven months in 1896. The second began on 22nd. November 1900 and lasted for three years.The quarry still produces slate though at a much reduced capacity from its heyday at the end of the 1800s. From 1964 until 2007 it was owned and operated by
Alfred McAlpine PLC . [ [http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/426/ National Slate Museum] ] In 2007 it was acquired by Rigcycle Limited. [ [http://www.ukbusinesspark.co.uk/ale55454.htm UK Business Park] ]See also
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Blondin (quarry equipment) - originated at PenrhynExternal links
* [http://www.aditnow.co.uk/mines/Penrhyn-Slate-Mine/ AditNow] - Photographic database of Penrhyn Slate Quarry
* [http://www.gtj.org.uk/en/item1/7956 Aerial photo]
* [http://www.penmorfa.com/Slate/penrhyn.html History and photos]References
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