Cwmystwyth Mine - 1984

[jhluxton]

Cwmystwyth Mine is considered to be one of the most important mining sites in Wales. The site has a long history from prehistoric times through to final closure around 1950.

I visited the mine site in May 1984 when the barracks and the main mill building were still standing.

Unfortunately theses large and prominent buildings were demolished a few years later.

My greatest regret was that I didn't take more photographs on that day!

Anyway as part of my project to digitise my 35mm slide collection I thought I would share these with everyone.

Although some buildings have been cleared the site is now being conserved by the Cymystwyth Mines Trust.

For more details please go to: Cwmystwyth



General view of the site from the access road. The mill building stands out prominently. On the left are the mine offices and on the right in the distance the mine blacksmith's shop.










Views of the corrugated iron mill building. The sheeting had rusted provided a stark contrast against the mainly grey mine waste.



View of the mine from the road which passes through the site



Interior of the mill photographed from the outside - I didn't venture inside as I didn't have a hard hat and some parts of the building looked as though they could fall at anytime.






Remains of a tramway crossing




The barracks building where the miners would lodge




The mine access road and barracks building viewed from the west end of the site looking east.

Full gallery which includes monochrome versions of some the shots: http://www.jhluxton.com/The-35mm-Film-Archive/Mines-of-Wales/Cwmystwyth-Mine-Ceredigion/

John

 

[BoneDust]

This is very cool - it's not very often you see old-school explores! What are you using to digitise your old slides?

 

[jhluxton]

This is very cool - it's not very often you see old-school explores! What are you using to digitise your old slides?

Thanks.

I am using a Plustek 8200i film and slide scanner.

John

 

[krela]

Nice bit of lost history there, thanks.

 

[HughieD]

Got a few old pics of this place too. Enjoyed that. Thank you.

 

[rockfordstone]

its great to see some of these sites as there were in the past. great stuff

 

[Sidsdx1988]

Great post! looks like something out of a western!

 

[jhluxton]

Great post! looks like something out of a western!

Yes the design does have a trans-Atlantic feel aided by the relative lack of vegetation on the mine dumps which give it that arid wild west desert look.

John

 

[jhluxton]

As I continued to scan my collection of Welsh mining slides I discovered that I had called in on the Cwmystwyth site again in Summer 1986 and took two more photographs.

The first shows "Pugh's Level" adit and the other the barracks with another building of unknown function.





John

 

[jhluxton]

As I continued to scan my collection of Welsh mining slides I discovered that I had called in on the Cwmystwyth site again in Summer 1986 and took two more photographs.

The first shows "Pugh's Level" adit and the other the barracks with another building of unknown function.

John

I now have information on the building of unknown function thanks to someone on the mine exploration forum:

The building was built as No.1 Crusher House: there had been a waterwheel to drive the rolls; it was located in a gap between the long side of the building seen in the photo and the retaining wall.

The building was converted into the mine caretaker's house around the start of World War I, when it was called Ivy Cottage. The south end of the wheel-pit was demolished, the pit was part infilled and steps built in it.

These steps gave access to the basement which during this last period was for a time used as a laundry either by the mining company or as a company-approved venture by the occupants, presumably washing work-clothes over the weekends.