Frongoch is a former lead and zinc mine in upland Ceredigion. Although mining here started in the mid 1700s, large scale lead mining did not commence until 1834 when it was taken over by the Lisburne Mines Company of Nearby Pontrhydygroes. In 1899 a Belgian company, the Société Anonyme Metallurgique de Leige bought the mine and installed a new dressing mill and headgear powered by a hyrdroelectric power station down the valley. Wemyss, a neighbouring mine directly below the mill was taken over to drain the Frongoch workings further up the hill by means of blasting new tunnels between the two.
Underground mining ceased about 1910, although in the 1920s the extensive tips were re-worked for zinc before the site was completely abandoned.
Just over the crest of the hill is Lletysynod, a typical Welsh farmhouse gradually falling in on itself. I'm guessing it might have had historical connections to the mine, but there's no evidence to support this.
Images:
The Belgian Mill in 1901, borrowed from here
The ruins of the Belgian Mill today
Dressing floor
Part of the mill
Remains of a tramway bridge over the road visible in the 1901 photo
Looking up to the site of the wheel-pit. the remains of the wood-lined tail race are still visible in places
Open adit
Upper site with engine house remains. This is now used as a wood yard.
Former hydro power station down the valley
Lletysynod
I loved the colour of this stove
The roof isn't up to much - the slates were removed about 5 years ago
Found this in one of the barns
Traditonal Welsh barn. Note the bottom step which is deeper than all the rest - keeps inquisitive livestock out.
Mossy kettle
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First report, hope it's not too pic-heavy. Edit: Damn. Title should be Mar '11 - apparently I can't remember what year it is..
Edit: Fixed, thanks muchly.
Thanks for reading,
A.
Underground mining ceased about 1910, although in the 1920s the extensive tips were re-worked for zinc before the site was completely abandoned.
Just over the crest of the hill is Lletysynod, a typical Welsh farmhouse gradually falling in on itself. I'm guessing it might have had historical connections to the mine, but there's no evidence to support this.
Images:
The Belgian Mill in 1901, borrowed from here
The ruins of the Belgian Mill today
Dressing floor
Part of the mill
Remains of a tramway bridge over the road visible in the 1901 photo
Looking up to the site of the wheel-pit. the remains of the wood-lined tail race are still visible in places
Open adit
Upper site with engine house remains. This is now used as a wood yard.
Former hydro power station down the valley
Lletysynod
I loved the colour of this stove
The roof isn't up to much - the slates were removed about 5 years ago
Found this in one of the barns
Traditonal Welsh barn. Note the bottom step which is deeper than all the rest - keeps inquisitive livestock out.
Mossy kettle
------------
First report, hope it's not too pic-heavy. Edit: Damn. Title should be Mar '11 - apparently I can't remember what year it is..
Edit: Fixed, thanks muchly.
Thanks for reading,
A.
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