Minera Quarry Trust

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Project 4—Archaeology

AIMS

 

1.  To conserve structures, historic landscapes and underground features relating to metal mining in and around the quarry area.

2.  To foster research into local metal mining history, especially that relating to medieval and ancient times, encouraging local participation.

3.  To create an underground mine experience to link in with that of the caves (Project 3)

 

BACKGROUND

 

Although, as yet, there is no direct evidence, mining is presumed to have first taken place at Minera in Roman times. Documentary evidence exists for a flourishing mining industry from the year 1301. In their 1995 survey of metal mine sites in mid and north-east Wales, the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust said of the ‘Top Eisteddfod’ area, “This extensive well-preserved mining area is of unique archaeological and historical importance in Wales”. By the start of the eighteenth century and with a strong Cornish influence in techniques, mining was organised in a more systematic way. Much expertise and capital came from outside the area; deeper shafts were sunk and horizontal tunnels driven to intersect the lead veins. Technology improved with steam engines used for pumping from 1783. The mines were worked to great profit until flooding and litigation between the different proprietors caused a suspension of working in 1824. The mines reopened in 1849 under the able stewardship of John Taylor the great mining engineer. An immensely successful period of 40 years followed. Declining ore reserves and increasing costs with depth forced final closure in 1914.

 

THEMES TO DEVELOP

 

1.  Outline evidence of local Bronze Age settlement; their use of metals; Roman use of lead; local settlements and metal working technology; records of medieval mining.

2.  Archaeological techniques to employ in investigation of ancient mining at Minera.

3.  Geography and structure of the orebodies; evolution, tools and techniques of mining, mineral dressing and smelting.

4.  The life of miners over the centuries; slaves or privileged communities. Tell the story of developments from the eighteenth century. Interpret the surviving mining remains.

 

MEANS

 

1.  Build on Clwyd-Powys work concerning historic mining landscapes by encouraging joint excavation projects with interested societies and academic bodies.

2.  Construct a visitor access to mine-workings easily accessible from Minera quarry (in conjunction with caves access)

3.  Re-site the contents of WCBC visitor centre from the Meadow (City) Shaft to a new interpretation centre to be constructed at Minera Quarry. Enhance collection and remodel displays as appropriate

 

MQT/PR4/Draft1/20.2.06

1.  Landscape typical of early mining at ‘Top Eisteddfod’ adjacent to the northern quarry. The proximity of Roman structures and lead slags in Ffrith and the nearby Roman road strongly suggest an awareness of the Minera lead ores at that time.

2.  Stone ‘Mortars’, on which ore was crushed, are common in mines worked from the Bronze Age and sometimes through to medieval times. This example, the first recorded at Minera, was found 50 metres below surface in 2005.

3.  ‘Flat’ veins discovered in 1817 in the old Maes-y-Ffynnon Wen Mine were a rich source of lead ores at a time when deeper parts of the mines were often at a standstill due to flooding and to litigation between the different mine owners

4.  The Meadow Engine Shaft, 430 yards deep, was at the centre of activity in the heyday of mining from the 1860’s to 1890’s when Minera was the greatest producer of lead and zinc ores in Britain