Porth Amlwch and the Copper Mountain
Posted by: 
Severnside
N 53° 24.922 W 004° 19.979
30U E 411406 N 5919305
Porth Amlwch was only a tiny creek in the 18th Century, but after the development of the copper mines on nearby Parys Mountain the cove was widened by quarrying the eastern side. By 1800 the port could hold thirty vessels.
Waymark Code: WM9M4G
Location: North Wales, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 09/02/2010
Views: 5
Porth Amlwch is a natural harbour formed in a creek between high rocks and is about 500ft long and 100 ft wide at its entrance. Whilst in use since early times, the general form and layout of the harbour dates from the late eighteenth century when the port became the main port and smelting site for the copper mines in North Wales, most significantly that at Parys Mountain (the Copper Mountain)
It also developed as a ship-wrighting port and has a surviving shipyard, dry-dock, and sail loft. The port is joined to the main town by Lon Gopar (Copper Road).
Throughout the nineteenth century the mining of copper ore at nearby Parys Mountain and its smelting into bars to be exported acted as the catalyst for development of two shipbuilding yards and a dry dock at Amlwch, as well as lime kilns and all the associated trades of a busy port from ale brewing to water and wind-driven sawmills for ships' timbers.
Many of these remain at Porth Amlwch and, thanks to the sterling efforts of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, the old harbour area is a veritable treasure trove of information on mining and seafaring in those days. Many of the sites are either undergoing restoration or already preserved and a visit to the area is highly educational for young and old (and free too)
Type: Remnant
Fee: None
Hours:
24 hrs
Related URL: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
Original photographs showing additional views of the Ruin/Remnant or even just its current condition are encouraged. Please describe your visit, especially if no additional photos are available. Did you like the Ruin or Remnant? What prompted you to see the Ruin or Remnant?