Remains of a mid-nineteenth century porcelain and china clay works sited at the coastal inlet of Porth Llanleiana. Work here was apparently abruptly halted when fire broke out in 1920, following which the works never reopened. The remains lie within the Scheduled area of Dinas Gynfor Hillfort (AN038).

China clay was quarried from the rocks and slopes of Dinas Dynfor hillfort behind the works, and to the south of the beach.

The remains comprise the roofless ruin of the main factory building, with a squat stone-built chimney stack on the hillslope beyond, designed to direct the noxious fumes away from the principal working areas and induce air currents through the factory’s boilers and furnaces. A curving sea wall protects the works and opposite are remains of a quarry and stone structure possibly associated with Porth Llanlleiana copper mine? (NPRNB 400751), and a later brick pumphouse.

Visited and photographed by Toby Driver and Louise Barker for the Royal Commission, 17th Sept 2024

Toby Driver and Louise barker, RCAHMW, 10 October 2024.

Sources:

https://discovernorthwales.com/llanlleiana-old-porcelain-works/

Site Record

Porth Llanlleiana Porcelain and China Clay Works