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Coordinates: 53°25′26″N 4°24′22″W / 53.424°N 4.406°W / 53.424; -4.406
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox historic site
{{Infobox historic site
| name = Porth Wen Brickworks
| name = Porth Wen Brickworks
| other_name =
| other_name =
| type = [[Brickworks]]
| type = [[Brickworks]]
| image = File:The three surviving kilns of Porth Wen brick works - geograph.org.uk - 1121396.jpg
| image = Porth_Wen_Brick_Works_(46589745995).jpg
| caption = Kilns and chimneys at brickworks
| caption = Kilns and chimneys at the brickworks
| location = [[Anglesey]], [[Wales]]
| location = [[Anglesey]], [[Wales]]
| locmapin = Wales Anglesey
| locmapin = Wales Anglesey
| map_relief = yes
| map_relief = yes
| map_caption = Location in Anglesey
| map_caption = Location in Anglesey
| latitude = 53.424
| longitude = -4.406
| elevation =
| elevation =
| coordinates =
| coordinates = {{coord|53.424|-4.406|display=inline,title}}
| gbgridref = SH 4019 9465
| gbgridref = SH 4019 9465
| designation1_free1name = [[Community (Wales)|Community]]
| designation1_free1name = [[Community (Wales)|Community]]
Line 24: Line 23:


}}
}}
'''Porth Wen Brickworks''' is a now disused Victorian [[brickworks]] which produced [[Fire brick|fire bricks]], made from [[quartzite]] (silica) used to line [[steel]]-making [[furnaces]]. The substantial remains include a number of buildings and the remains of some of the machinery, but has some damage from sea erosion. The site is a [[scheduled monument]].
'''Porth Wen Brickworks''' first built by Charles E Tidy, is now a disused Victorian [[brickworks]] which produced [[fire brick]]s, made from [[quartzite]] (silica) used to line [[steel]]-making [[Metallurgical furnace|furnaces]]. The substantial remains include a number of buildings and the remains of some of the machinery, but has some damage from sea erosion. The site is a [[scheduled monument]].


==Location==
==Location==


The brickworks is in a spectacular location on the western side of Porth Wen (English: ''White Bay'') in the [[Community (Wales)|community]] of [[Llanbadrig]] in the north of [[Anglesey]], and is about {{convert|2|km|mile|sigfig=2|abbr=in}} west of [[Porth Llechog]] and {{convert|3|km|mile|sigfig=2|abbr=in}} north-east of [[Cemaes]].{{r|GAT Porthwen Brickworks|Coastal Path Map}} The brickworks was established because of the readily available quartzite from the nearby quarries, a major component of fire bricks.{{r|Coastal Erosion Survey}}
The brickworks is in a spectacular location on the western side of Porth Wen (English: ''White Bay'') in the [[Community (Wales)|community]] of [[Llanbadrig]] in the north of [[Anglesey]], and is about {{convert|2|km|mile|sigfig=2|abbr=in}} west of [[Porth Llechog]] and {{convert|3|km|mile|sigfig=2|abbr=in}} north-east of [[Cemaes]].{{r|GAT Porthwen Brickworks|Coastal Path Map}} The brickworks was established because of the readily available [[quartzite]] from the nearby quarries, a major component of fire bricks.{{r|Coastal Erosion Survey}}


As with much of coastline of Anglesey, the brickworks lies within the area of the [[Anglesey#Ecology_and_conservation|Anglesey]] [[Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]].{{r|LUC AONB Report}}
As with much of coastline of Anglesey, the brickworks lies within the area of the [[Anglesey#Ecology and conservation|Anglesey]] [[Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]].{{r|LUC AONB Report}}


==Description==
==Description==


Porthwen Brickworks includes quarries, an incline tramroad to the works, and includes a crushing house, moulding shed, drying sheds, and kilns. The brickmaking operation was supported by storage hoppers, engine house, boiler house, chimneys, warehouse and a quay.
Porthwen Brickworks includes quarries, an incline tramroad to the works, and includes a crushing house, moulding shed, drying sheds, and kilns. The brickmaking operation was supported by storage hoppers, engine house, boiler house, chimneys, warehouse and a quay.<ref>{{cite book|author=Gwyn, David|title=Gwynedd: Inheriting a Revolution; the Archaeology of Industrialisation in North-West Wales|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aWkoAQAAMAAJ |year=2006 |publisher=Phillimore & Company Limited |isbn=978-1-86077-432-4 |pages=116–117}}</ref>


Brickmaking started on the site in the mid 19th century, with the tramroad being added later, and the existing buildings being built in the early 20th century.{{r|Coflein Porthwen Brickworks}} Although the brickworks ceased production in the first half of the 20th century (sources vary on the date; either 1924 or 1949){{r|Coflein Porthwen Brickworks|GAT Porthwen Brickworks}}, the buildings and much of the equipment remain in situ, and the site shows:{{quote|...the visual scars of time and nature on its rural-industrial face as well as just the immense history built into the very bricks and stones|author=Ian Banks{{r|Ian Banks}}}}
Brickmaking started on the site in the mid 19th century, with the tramroad being added later, and the existing buildings being built in the early 20th century.{{r|Coflein Porthwen Brickworks}} Although the brickworks ceased production in the first half of the 20th century (sources vary on the date; either 1924 or 1949),{{r|GAT Porthwen Brickworks|Coflein Porthwen Brickworks}} the buildings and much of the equipment remain in situ, and the site shows:{{blockquote|...the visual scars of time and nature on its rural-industrial face as well as just the immense history built into the very bricks and stones|author=Ian Banks{{r|Ian Banks}}}}


===Quarries and incline===
===Quarries and incline===
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The brickworks were supplied from two quarries to the north-west of the works.{{r|Coflein PB Silica Quarry|Coflein PB Dinorben Quarry}} A tramroad from one of the quarries leading to a winding house and incline was shown on the 1st edition OS map, 1889.{{r|NT Porth Wen Winding House}}
The brickworks were supplied from two quarries to the north-west of the works.{{r|Coflein PB Silica Quarry|Coflein PB Dinorben Quarry}} A tramroad from one of the quarries leading to a winding house and incline was shown on the 1st edition OS map, 1889.{{r|NT Porth Wen Winding House}}


The winding house includes two lateral walls of mortared walls of rubble masonry supporting a square drive shaft and bearings. The remains of the walls are splayed at the bases and roughly {{convert|4.5|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} in length, {{convert|0.95|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} wide up to a height of {{convert|3|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}}.{{r|NT Porth Wen Winding House|Coflein PB Winding Engine House}} The drive shaft supported three wheels each with eight spokes. One wheel is roughly {{convert|2|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} in diameter and the other two are {{convert|1.5|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} in diameter. The larger wheel was a banding-break and the other two were driving wheels for lowering and raising trucks on the incline. A wooden beam with a control mechanism remains in front the drive shaft. A second similar wooden beam lies nearby but is no longer in position.{{r|NT Porth Wen Winding House|Coflein PB Winding Engine House|Coflein PB Railway Incline}}
The winding house includes two lateral walls of mortared walls of rubble masonry supporting a square drive shaft and bearings. The remains of the walls are splayed at the bases and roughly {{convert|4.5|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} in length, {{convert|0.95|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} wide up to a height of {{convert|3|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}}.{{r|NT Porth Wen Winding House|Coflein PB Winding Engine House}} The drive shaft supported three wheels each with eight spokes. One wheel is roughly {{convert|2|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} in diameter and the other two are {{convert|1.5|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} in diameter. The larger wheel was a banding-break and the other two were driving wheels for lowering and raising trucks on the incline. A wooden beam with a control mechanism remains in front the drive shaft. A second similar wooden beam lies nearby but is no longer in position.{{r|NT Porth Wen Winding House|Coflein PB Winding Engine House|Coflein PB Railway Incline}}


Near the winding house are the remains of a storage shed roughly {{convert|4|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} by {{convert|5|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} with walls that supported a gabled roof of profiled sheeting and is probably more recent than the winding house, built in a period of improvement in the early 20th century.{{r|NT Porth Wen Storage Shed}}
Near the winding house are the remains of a storage shed roughly {{convert|4|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} by {{convert|5|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=in}} with walls that supported a gabled roof of profiled sheeting and is probably more recent than the winding house, built in a period of improvement in the early 20th century.{{r|NT Porth Wen Storage Shed}}
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[[File:Silica bunkers at Porth Wen Brick Works - geograph.org.uk - 1104879.jpg|thumb|top|right|alt=text|Crushing house]]
[[File:Silica bunkers at Porth Wen Brick Works - geograph.org.uk - 1104879.jpg|thumb|top|right|alt=text|Crushing house]]


The incline terminated at a crushing house where pieces of quartzite were broken up with a knapping machine. The pieces were passed down shutes to lower levels for further processing, resulting in a fine powder at the lowest stage. It is likely that the pieces quartzite were reduced by hammer with the workers wearing iron covered gloves.{{r|GAT Porthwen Brickworks|Coflein PB Crusher House|Anglesey Hidden Gem}}
The incline terminated at a crushing house where pieces of quartzite were broken up with a knapping machine. The pieces were passed down chutes to lower levels for further processing, resulting in a fine powder at the lowest stage. It is likely that the pieces of quartzite were reduced by hammer with the workers wearing iron covered gloves.{{r|GAT Porthwen Brickworks|Coflein PB Crusher House|Anglesey Hidden Gem}}


The resulting powder was mixed with lime and water in a pan mill. The resulting paste was then moulded and pressed into bricks in the moulding shed, and then dried out in drying sheds.{{r|GAT Porthwen Brickworks|Coflein PB Moulding Shed and Chimney|Coflein PB Drying Sheds|Coflein PB Chimney}} Originally bricks were made using moulding and wire cutting, but was later made using a press.{{r|Anglesey Hidden Gem}}
The resulting powder was mixed with lime and water in a pan mill. The resulting paste was then moulded and pressed into bricks in the moulding shed, and then dried out in drying sheds.{{r|GAT Porthwen Brickworks|Coflein PB Moulding Shed and Chimney|Coflein PB Drying Sheds|Coflein PB Chimney}} Originally bricks were made using moulding and wire cutting, but were later made using a press.{{r|Anglesey Hidden Gem}}


After drying, the bricks were then fired in one of the three circular down-draught kilns (also known as beehive or Newcastle kilns), made of brick with iron bands and domed roofs.{{r|Coflein PB Kiln 1|Coflein PB Kiln 2|Coflein PB Kiln 3|GAT Porthwen Brickworks|Ian Banks}}
After drying, the bricks were then fired in one of the three circular down-draught kilns (also known as beehive or Newcastle kilns), made of brick with iron bands and domed roofs.{{r|Coflein PB Kiln 1|Coflein PB Kiln 2|Coflein PB Kiln 3|GAT Porthwen Brickworks|Ian Banks}}
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| page = 14
| page = 14
| url = http://www.walesher1974.org/her/groups/GAT/media/GAT_Reports/GATreport_251_compressed.pdf
| url = http://www.walesher1974.org/her/groups/GAT/media/GAT_Reports/GATreport_251_compressed.pdf
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| id = GAT Report No. 251}}
| id = GAT Report No. 251}}
</ref>
</ref>
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| via = [http://www.archwilio.org.uk/ archwilio] (online database of the four [[Welsh Archaeological Trusts]])
| via = [http://www.archwilio.org.uk/ archwilio] (online database of the four [[Welsh Archaeological Trusts]])
| publisher = [[Gwynedd Archaeological Trust|Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (GAT)]]
| publisher = [[Gwynedd Archaeological Trust|Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (GAT)]]
| accessdate = 18 June 2016
| access-date = 18 June 2016
| id = GAT PRN 3562}}
| id = GAT PRN 3562}}
</ref>
</ref>
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| website = heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk
| website = heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk
| publisher = [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]]
| publisher = [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]]
| accessdate = 18 June 2016
| access-date = 18 June 2016
| id = MNA133966
| id = MNA133966
}}
}}
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| website = heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk
| website = heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk
| publisher = [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]]
| publisher = [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]]
| accessdate = 18 June 2016
| access-date = 18 June 2016
| id = MNA133968
| id = MNA133968
}}
}}
Line 146: Line 145:
| website = heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk
| website = heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk
| publisher = [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]]
| publisher = [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]]
| accessdate = 18 June 2016
| access-date = 18 June 2016
| id = MNA133967
| id = MNA133967
}}
}}
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<ref name = "Cadw Scheduling Porth Wen Brickworks">
<ref name = "Cadw Scheduling Porth Wen Brickworks">
{{Cadw
{{cite report
| desc = Porth Wen Brickworks
| work = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)]]
| title = Porth Wen Brickworks
| num = AN109
| class = SM
| uid = 2542
| date = 27 October 1986
| date = 27 October 1986
}}
| publisher = [[Cadw]]
| access-date =
| orig-year = Scheduled 1986
| id = Cadw Id: AN109}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein Porthwen Brickworks">
<ref name = "Coflein Porthwen Brickworks">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| last1 = Hill
| last1 = Hill
| first1 = J.
| first1 = J.
| date = 1 March 2004
| date = 1 March 2004
| title = Porthwen Brickworks; Porth Wen Silica Brickworks
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks; Porth Wen Silica Brickworks
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40736
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40736/details
}}
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40736
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
| ref = harv}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Building">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Building">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Building
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Building
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40746
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40746/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40746
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Chimney">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Chimney">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Chimney
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Chimney
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40748
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40748/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40748
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}


</ref>
</ref>
<ref name = "Coflein PB Crane">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Crane">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Crane
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Crane
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40751
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40751/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40751
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}


</ref>
</ref>
<ref name = "Coflein PB Crusher House">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Crusher House">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Crusher House
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Crusher House
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40739
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40739/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40739
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}


</ref>
</ref>
<ref name = "Coflein PB Drying Sheds">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Drying Sheds">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Drying Sheds
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Drying Sheds
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40745
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40745/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40745
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Engine House">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Engine House">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Engine House
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Engine House
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40741
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40741/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40741
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Kiln 1">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Kiln 1">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Kiln (1)
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Kiln (1)
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40742
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40742/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40742
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Kiln 2">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Kiln 2">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Kiln (2)
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Kiln (2)
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40743
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40743/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40743
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Kiln 3">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Kiln 3">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Kiln (3)
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Kiln (3)
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40744
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40744/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40744
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Loading Quay">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Loading Quay">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Loading Quay
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Loading Quay
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40750
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40750/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40750
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}


</ref>
</ref>
<ref name = "Coflein PB Moulding Shed and Chimney">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Moulding Shed and Chimney">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Moulding Shed and Chimney
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Moulding Shed and Chimney
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40747
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40747/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40747
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Railway Incline">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Railway Incline">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Railway Incline
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Railway Incline
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40738
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40738/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40738
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Winding Engine House">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Winding Engine House">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Winding Engine House
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Winding Engine House
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40740
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40740/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40740
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Silica Quarry">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Silica Quarry">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Silica Quarry
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Silica Quarry
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40737
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40737/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40737
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Dinorben Quarry">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Dinorben Quarry">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Silica Quarry; Dinorben Quarry
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Silica Quarry; Dinorben Quarry
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 528
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/528/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 528
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name = "Coflein PB Stirling Boiler House">
<ref name = "Coflein PB Stirling Boiler House">
{{Coflein
{{cite web
| title = Porthwen Brickworks: Stirling Boiler House
| desc = Porthwen Brickworks: Stirling Boiler House
| work = National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
| num = 40749
| access-date = 17 June 2016
| url = http://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/40749/details
| via = [http://www.coflein.gov.uk/ coflein] (online database of the NMRW)
| publisher = [[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales|Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)]]
| id = NPRN 40749
| accessdate = 17 June 2016
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>
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| page = 11
| page = 11
| website = Isle of Anglesey County Council
| website = Isle of Anglesey County Council
| accessdate = 14 May 2016
| access-date = 14 May 2016
| date = April 2014}}
| date = April 2014}}
</ref>
</ref>
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| url = http://www.urbanrealm.com/features/104/Porth_Wen_Brickworks,_Anglesey.html
| url = http://www.urbanrealm.com/features/104/Porth_Wen_Brickworks,_Anglesey.html
| publisher = Urban Realm
| publisher = Urban Realm
| accessdate = 20 June 2016
| access-date = 20 June 2016
| date = 20 December 2004}}
| date = 20 December 2004}}
</ref>
</ref>
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| url = http://www.anglesey-hidden-gem.com/porth-wen-brick-works.html
| url = http://www.anglesey-hidden-gem.com/porth-wen-brick-works.html
| website = www.anglesey-hidden-gem.com
| website = www.anglesey-hidden-gem.com
| accessdate = 20 June 2016}}
| access-date = 20 June 2016}}
</ref>
</ref>


Line 414: Line 344:
| title = Anglesey Hidden Gem
| title = Anglesey Hidden Gem
| asin = B00XJQ6C2M
| asin = B00XJQ6C2M
| format = kindle
| type = kindle
| date = May 2015}}
| date = May 2015}}
*{{cite web
*{{cite web
| last1 = Summers
| last1 = Summers
| first1 = Neil
| first1 = Neil
| title = Porth Wen - An abandoned brickworks on Anglesey
| title = Porth Wen – An abandoned brickworks on Anglesey
| url = http://www.penmorfa.com/porthwen/index.html
| url = http://www.penmorfa.com/porthwen/index.html
| website = www.penmorfa.com
| website = www.penmorfa.com
| accessdate = 20 June 2016}}
| access-date = 20 June 2016}}


==External links==
==External links==

*{{cite map
*{{cite map
| url = http://www.visitanglesey.co.uk/media/392905/map1cemaes1.pdf
| url = http://www.visitanglesey.co.uk/media/392905/map1cemaes1.pdf
Line 437: Line 366:
| url = http://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/media/1418/wales-coast-path-region-b-isle-of-anglesey.pdf
| url = http://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/media/1418/wales-coast-path-region-b-isle-of-anglesey.pdf
| website = Wales Coast Path
| website = Wales Coast Path
| publisher = National Resources Wales
| publisher = Natural Resources Wales
}} – includes Maps 13 to 28 covering the coast of Anglesey
}} – includes Maps 13 to 28 covering the coast of Anglesey
*{{cite web
*{{cite web
Line 445: Line 374:
| url = http://industrialgwent.co.uk/walesnorth/index.htm#anglesea
| url = http://industrialgwent.co.uk/walesnorth/index.htm#anglesea
| website = industrialgwent.co.uk
| website = industrialgwent.co.uk
}} - extensive gallery of photos from July 2015
}} – extensive gallery of photos from July 2015


{{Anglesey}}
{{Anglesey}}

[[Category:Scheduled monuments in Anglesey]]
[[Category:Scheduled monuments in Anglesey]]
[[Category:Llanbadrig]]
[[Category:Llanbadrig]]
[[Category:Brickworks]]
[[Category:Brickworks in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Industrial buildings in Wales]]
[[Category:Industrial buildings in Wales]]
[[Category:Industrial archaeological sites in Wales]]

Latest revision as of 03:30, 19 October 2023

Porth Wen Brickworks
Kilns and chimneys at the brickworks
TypeBrickworks
LocationAnglesey, Wales
Coordinates53°25′26″N 4°24′22″W / 53.424°N 4.406°W / 53.424; -4.406
OS grid referenceSH 4019 9465
Official namePorth Wen Brickworks
Designated27 October 1986
Reference no.AN109
Porth Wen Brickworks is located in Anglesey
Porth Wen Brickworks
Location in Anglesey

Porth Wen Brickworks first built by Charles E Tidy, is now a disused Victorian brickworks which produced fire bricks, made from quartzite (silica) used to line steel-making furnaces. The substantial remains include a number of buildings and the remains of some of the machinery, but has some damage from sea erosion. The site is a scheduled monument.

Location

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The brickworks is in a spectacular location on the western side of Porth Wen (English: White Bay) in the community of Llanbadrig in the north of Anglesey, and is about 2 km (1.2 miles) west of Porth Llechog and 3 km (1.9 miles) north-east of Cemaes.[1][2] The brickworks was established because of the readily available quartzite from the nearby quarries, a major component of fire bricks.[3]

As with much of coastline of Anglesey, the brickworks lies within the area of the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.[4]

Description

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Porthwen Brickworks includes quarries, an incline tramroad to the works, and includes a crushing house, moulding shed, drying sheds, and kilns. The brickmaking operation was supported by storage hoppers, engine house, boiler house, chimneys, warehouse and a quay.[5]

Brickmaking started on the site in the mid 19th century, with the tramroad being added later, and the existing buildings being built in the early 20th century.[6] Although the brickworks ceased production in the first half of the 20th century (sources vary on the date; either 1924 or 1949),[1][6] the buildings and much of the equipment remain in situ, and the site shows:

...the visual scars of time and nature on its rural-industrial face as well as just the immense history built into the very bricks and stones

— Ian Banks[7]

Quarries and incline

[edit]
text
Remains of winding house

The brickworks were supplied from two quarries to the north-west of the works.[8][9] A tramroad from one of the quarries leading to a winding house and incline was shown on the 1st edition OS map, 1889.[10]

The winding house includes two lateral walls of mortared walls of rubble masonry supporting a square drive shaft and bearings. The remains of the walls are splayed at the bases and roughly 4.5 m (10 feet) in length, 0.95 m (3 feet) wide up to a height of 3 m (10 feet).[10][11] The drive shaft supported three wheels each with eight spokes. One wheel is roughly 2 m (7 feet) in diameter and the other two are 1.5 m (5 feet) in diameter. The larger wheel was a banding-break and the other two were driving wheels for lowering and raising trucks on the incline. A wooden beam with a control mechanism remains in front the drive shaft. A second similar wooden beam lies nearby but is no longer in position.[10][11][12]

Near the winding house are the remains of a storage shed roughly 4 m (10 feet) by 5 m (20 feet) with walls that supported a gabled roof of profiled sheeting and is probably more recent than the winding house, built in a period of improvement in the early 20th century.[13]

The incline consisted of two tracks which have been removed but the track bed remains with retaining walls of random rubble masonry roughly 1 m (3 feet) deep. The incline was gravity powered.[12][14]

Brickmaking

[edit]
text
Crushing house

The incline terminated at a crushing house where pieces of quartzite were broken up with a knapping machine. The pieces were passed down chutes to lower levels for further processing, resulting in a fine powder at the lowest stage. It is likely that the pieces of quartzite were reduced by hammer with the workers wearing iron covered gloves.[1][15][16]

The resulting powder was mixed with lime and water in a pan mill. The resulting paste was then moulded and pressed into bricks in the moulding shed, and then dried out in drying sheds.[1][17][18][19] Originally bricks were made using moulding and wire cutting, but were later made using a press.[16]

After drying, the bricks were then fired in one of the three circular down-draught kilns (also known as beehive or Newcastle kilns), made of brick with iron bands and domed roofs.[20][21][22][1][7]

The brickworks also includes the remains of a boiler house, which contained a Five-drum Stirling boiler, and a small engine house for a steam engine.[23][24]

Storage and distribution

[edit]

After firing, the bricks were stored in the main building, an impressive two-storey brick building, with gabled ends.[25]

Bricks were then loaded onto ships, using a crane, moored at the loading quay.[26][27]

History

[edit]

Porth Wen brickworks was designated as a scheduled monument by Cadw in 1986 and classified as a post-medieval industrial brickworks.[28]

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Porth Wen.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Silica Brick Works, Porth Wen". Historic Environment Record (HER). Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (GAT). GAT PRN 3562. Retrieved 18 June 2016 – via archwilio (online database of the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts). {{cite web}}: External link in |via= (help)
  2. ^ "Section 3: Cemaes to Amlwch Port" (PDF) (Map). www.anglesey.gov.uk. Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path Project. 2005. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  3. ^ Jones, S. (1997). Coastal Erosion Survey Anglesey (PDF) (Report). Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (GAT). p. 14. GAT Report No. 251. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  4. ^ Grant, Maria; Parker, Sally (April 2014). State of the AONB Report for Anglesey (PDF). Isle of Anglesey County Council (Report). Land Use Consultants. p. 11. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  5. ^ Gwyn, David (2006). Gwynedd: Inheriting a Revolution; the Archaeology of Industrialisation in North-West Wales. Phillimore & Company Limited. pp. 116–117. ISBN 978-1-86077-432-4.
  6. ^ a b Hill, J. (1 March 2004). "Porthwen Brickworks; Porth Wen Silica Brickworks (40736)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  7. ^ a b Banks, Ian (20 December 2004). "Porth Wen Brickworks, Anglesey". Urban Realm. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  8. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Silica Quarry (40737)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  9. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Silica Quarry; Dinorben Quarry (528)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  10. ^ a b c "Winding House at Porth Wen, Bryn Llewelyn". heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk. National Trust. MNA133966. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  11. ^ a b "Porthwen Brickworks: Winding Engine House (40740)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  12. ^ a b "Porthwen Brickworks: Railway Incline (40738)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  13. ^ "Storage shed at Porth Wen, Bryn Llewelyn". heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk. National Trust. MNA133968. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  14. ^ "Incline at Porth Wen, Bryn Llewelyn". heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk. National Trust. MNA133967. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  15. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Crusher House (40739)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  16. ^ a b Jones, Wil. "Porth Wen Brickworks". www.anglesey-hidden-gem.com. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  17. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Moulding Shed and Chimney (40747)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  18. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Drying Sheds (40745)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  19. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Chimney (40748)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  20. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Kiln (1) (40742)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  21. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Kiln (2) (40743)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  22. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Kiln (3) (40744)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  23. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Stirling Boiler House (40749)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  24. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Engine House (40741)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  25. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Building (40746)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  26. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Crane (40751)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  27. ^ "Porthwen Brickworks: Loading Quay (40750)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  28. ^ Cadw (27 October 1986). "Porth Wen Brickworks (AN109)". National Historic Assets of Wales.

Further reading

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[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Porth_Wen_Brickworks&oldid=1180831935"