Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
CN301
Name
Blaen y Cae Slate Quarry
Date of Designation
11/06/1998
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Gwynedd
Community
Llanllyfni
Easting
249787
Northing
353670
Broad Class
Industrial
Site Type
Quarry
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.
Blaen y Cae Slate Quarry, which operated from the 1830s to the 1930s, contains outstanding remains of a steam powered blondin system for raising slate out of adjacent pits. The blondin ropeway system was installed c.1910 and survives with wooden masts, landing platforms on the lip of the quarry pit, a railway embankment, wire ropes and sheeves, a steam winding engine made by Henderson's of Aberdeen, and a winding drum.
The monument is the best-preserved example of typical steam powered blondin operation in the Welsh slate industry. It is of national importance as it retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.