Bryn Eglwys, Slate quarry in Abergynolwyn, Wales
Bryn Eglwys is a slate quarry in Abergynolwyn, Wales, where mining followed two distinct veins of stone running through the rock face. The excavation created deep chambers underground that showcase the scale of extraction work that took place over many decades.
The quarry began operations in the 1800s and grew significantly when major investment funded expansion and new infrastructure. It remained a working mine until closure in the 1940s, marking the end of a substantial chapter in local industrial history.
The quarry employed over 300 local men, establishing itself as the main source of employment for families in the Abergynolwyn region.
The site is open to visitors today and offers glimpses into old mining infrastructure and equipment left behind. You should wear sturdy footwear and be ready for uneven ground and areas where water collects in the old excavations.
After the mine shut down, the site was not left to deteriorate but was intentionally replanted with forests. Today the old quarry structures blend with tree growth, creating an unusual mix where industrial remains merge with returning nature.
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