Penrhyn quarry was bought by McAlpine's in 1964, and is still in production. The following photographs show how slate was mined many years ago.
It is an impressive sight. Every terrace has a name. Some called after distinguished people, such as Agor Boni (the Bonaporte floor),
Edward, Princess May; others to commemorate an event, such as Sabastopol and the Malakoff. Others are named after the Penrhyn family (Fitzroy, Douglas),
whilst one now extinct one was named California, on account of its’ richness of rock.
Until 1874 the tram road carried the slates down to the port in Bangor. Eventually the steam engine was utilised and the railroad from Port Penrhyn, Bangor to the quarry in Bethesda began.
left-loading slates at Port Penrhyn right-quarry warning
left-Old Port Penrhyn right-slabtrimming
left-drilling by compresed air. right-cleaning the slates
left- Rockmen at work in Douglas Gallery. right- working on a platform!!
