Rhiwbach Quarry, Slate quarry in North Wales, Great Britain
Rhiwbach Quarry is a slate mining site in North Wales with eight underground levels linked by tunnels throughout the workings. A distinctive engine house topped with a square chimney stands above the excavated landscape.
Mining began in 1812 at a southern location before relocating to the main site during the 1860s. Operations continued for over 140 years until production stopped in 1952.
The settlement around the quarry was home to worker housing, a shop, and a building that functioned as both school and chapel. These spaces served as the social center for the families who lived and worked here.
The site is structured underground with multiple levels and narrow passages that require careful navigation. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and prepare for uneven ground and damp conditions throughout.
The quarry used an upward-facing incline system powered by steam engines, a method employed in only two similar operations. This innovative approach allowed heavy slate blocks to be transported efficiently from great depths.
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