Engine house for driving aerial ropeway hoist and transport system ('Blondins'). Part of: Slate Quarry (NPRN 40565). RCAHMW AP945129/44, 47

J.Wiles, RCAHMW, 17.06.2004.

Statement of Significance

The electrically-powered blondin aerial ropeway systems in the relict Pen yr Orsedd Slate Quarry  in Nantlle represent a form of technology imported from the freestone industry of Scotland found in several places in the slate industry of north-west Wales but which is particularly associated with the Nantlle valley. They reflect the need to raise slate and waste rock from deep pits, and the greater flexibility that these catenary ropeway systems offered over the earlier, locally-evolved, chain inclines, which required anchorages on lofty bastions for fixed chains. The three Pen yr Orsedd blondins provide a contrast with the steam-driven blondin system at Blaen y Cae Quarry (NPRN 40530) and with the archaeology of the chain incline bastions at Dorothea Quarry (NPRN 40539) and Bryneglwys Quarry.

This site is part of the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site, Component Part 3: Nantlle Valley Slate Quarry Landscape. Inscribed July 2020.   

Sources:  

Louise Barker & Dr David Gwyn, March 2018. Slate Landscapes of North-West Wales World Heritage Bid Statements of Significance. (Unpublished Report: Project 401b for Gwynedd Archaeological Trust)  

Tirwedd Llechi Gogledd Orllewin Cymru / The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales. Nomination as a World heritage Site (Nomination Document, January 2020)  

Wales Slate World Heritage Site https://www.llechi.cymru/   

  H. Genders Boyd, RCAHMW, January 2022 

Site Record

Pen yr Orsedd Slate Quarry Blondin, Nantlle Valley