Maenofferen Slate Quarry, Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales - Royal Commission Animation

An animation with sub-titles, reconstructing the history and work of Maenofferen slate quarry which formed part of the extensive Ffestiniog group of quarries. It was opened commercially in 1861 and operated during the boom years of the industry when Wales dominated the world markets. The animation was produced by Tidal Design, based on research by the RCAHMW and was funded by Atlanterra, an Interreg Atlantic Area Programme.
© Crown Copyright: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales: 2013
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Chwarel Lechi Maenofferen, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gogledd Cymru - Animeiddiad gan y Comisiwn Brenhinol
Animeiddiad gydag isdeitlau, yn ail-greu hanes a gwaith chwarel lechi Maenofferen, un o’r nifer helaeth o chwareli yn ardal Ffestiniog. Cafodd ei hagor fel menter fasnachol ym 1861 a bu’n cynhyrchu yn ystod blynyddoedd llewyrchus y diwydiant pan oedd Cymru’n cyflenwi marchnadoedd y byd. Cafodd yr animeiddiad ei gynhyrchu gan Tidal Design, ar sail ymchwil CBHC, a’i ariannu gan Atlanterra, Rhaglen Ardal yr Iwerydd Interreg.
© Hawlfraint y Goron: Comisiwn Brenhinol Henebion Cymru: 2013
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Os hoffech brynu copi cydraniad-uchel o'r animeiddiad neu os oes gennych unrhyw gwestiynau eraill am waith y Comisiwn Brenhinol, neu'r casgliadau yng Nghofnod Henebion Cenedlaethol Cymru, cysylltwch â:
If you would like to purchase a high-resolution copy of the animation or have any other enquiries regarding the work of the Royal Commission, or the collections held in the National Monuments Record of Wales, please contact:
Comisiwn Brenhinol Henebion Cymru,
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales,
Ffordd Penglais,
Aberystwyth,
SY23 3BU
Ffôn/ Tel: [phone]
Gwefan: www.cbhc.gov.uk
Website: www.rcahmw.gov.uk
E-bost: [e-mail]
E-mail: [e-mail]

[@JohnPanto]

I was one of the last loco drivers on the surface there.1978/79. I worked through the bad winter of 78 when it took about 1.5 hours to walk up there from town. The sheep had the best part of the mill. They were nice & dry !!!

[@kenycymro]

Spent around thirty hours down in the tunnels over the last few months, and have to say it's the most spectacular of mines with old machinery and artefacts left as they were when the last miners (quarry workers) left. Many of the levels are flooded, which makes us wonder what is left beneath the water.. Lovely film, thank you so much for sharing...👍

[@brynroberts1446]

Worked at Llechwedd circa 1968 -1970. Was part of the “ Black gang” basically the maintenance team., which consisted of a blacksmith ( Robin gof) Emrys Williams (head fitter/ electrician) Dafydd Noel. Robin Williams ( Aka Robin Forddoliwr) responsible for track maintenance. Great days, remember those days with deep fond memories. Still working underground in them days. I used to walk from Manod to Llechwedd every morning come rain wind sun or snow, One of my weekly duties was to walk down to the underground pump houses and on my way run the incline motors.

[@onanysundrymule3144]

Marvellous piece of work by RCHME and Tidal design. Would like to see more of this kind of thing. Blaenau was (sort of) the Slate Capital of the world, and it's history and industry is important. Kind Regards.

[@andychisholm8646]

Absolutely amazing, superb feature about one of my favourite slate mines.

[@alanroberts4060]

Bless each and everyone of those men, Old before there time no doubt. The welsh are hard an nails and some.

[@tomstickland]

Very interesting. I had a good look round the quarry recently.

[@janehop]

Just think, when this substantial building was built, I'm sure it was "high tech". Very enterprising hard working people, glad our family came from this area.

[@harrymurray2515]

If only this place were rebuilt & turned into a museum.

[@MrTarmonbarry]

If its the same place i am thinking of you can go there and they have guided tours underground with a museum at ground level . I think when going underground visitors go in cars down the incline. There is another museum at Llanberis that is worth visiting , lots of workshops and equipment there , they even have an overshot water wheel and it is huge

[@MrMesospheric]

I hope that the Royal Commission coverage of these workings means they, too, won't be 'untopped', i.e. completely blown up for some slate chippings for people's gardens?

[@keithpilkington907]

Too anyone who's interested in this go to Llanberis slate museum it's really good

[@danielwilliams976]

great vid, how accurate is the chamber overview at 1.30? and from where was it derived? such a shame to see it untopped and still no preservation for the site and mill buildings at all. criminal.

[@davegillman6296]

So much history all now sadly gone

[@garethbryneithin]

Great work. I noted two spelling mistakes 14 seconds in... Oakeley quarry name spelt wrongly (missing E). This was the largest underground slate mine in the world & spelling should be respected (family name). Also, Foty Quarry should not have two T's - it is a Welsh word (abbreviation of hafoty) and should not have 2 T's.

[@lukebriggs2041]

Gareth Jones no body cares

[@kenycymro]

Lots of Welsh people still care...👍