HISTORY
Pontneddfechan at the head of the Vale of Neath is one of very few in the world where sandstone has been extensively worked in underground mines. The sandstone in question is a very hard, pure sandstone more commonly known as silica (SiO2).
From the 18th to the 20th century, this silica was extensively mined around Pontneddfechan and Dinas Rock. The burgeoning industries of industrial South Wales needed large numbers of heat-resistant bricks to line the furnaces in which copper and iron-smelting took place. Only bricks made from more or less pure silica could stand the intense temperatures without shattering. The silica rock was worked through a series of adits – horizontal mine passages driven into the side of the hill – both behind Craig-y-ddinas and on either side of the Nedd Fechan upstream of Pontneddfechan. Tramways were forced through difficult terrain to these mine entrances to permit horse-drawn drams to take away the rock to the brick works. An early factory was built by Messrs Frederick and Jenner at Dinas Bridge and a works was later established at Pont Walby near Glyn-neath.
The bigger mines were located at Dinas Rock where extensive workings still remain and have been reported on over the years especially in Dinas No. 3 (Upper) and to a lesser extent, Dinas Middle and Lower mines.
Smaller mines were located up the Nedd Fechan gorge and the tramway from these ran down to the Angel Inn. They generally tend to get overlooked due to the presence of their larger cousin in Dinas Rock and the fact that they are less assessable. Added to this, the typical Victorian mine owner didn't believe in employee creature comforts and as long as the take could be drammed out, the miners could fend for themselves. Consequentially, a lot of the Nedd Fechan workings involve movement via hands & knees and at times, belly crawls. Finally, abandonment and lack of pumping has given rise to the workings becoming flooded.
THE VISIT
Visited with a non-member while having a look around the river by the Gunpowder works and seemed a bit rude not to have a look in. Apologies for some of the photos but space was limited at times !
PHOTOS
1. Arch
2. Crossroads
3. Water
4. Drainage
5. Escape route
6. Tramway
7. White
8. End of the line
Thanks for looking !
Pontneddfechan at the head of the Vale of Neath is one of very few in the world where sandstone has been extensively worked in underground mines. The sandstone in question is a very hard, pure sandstone more commonly known as silica (SiO2).
From the 18th to the 20th century, this silica was extensively mined around Pontneddfechan and Dinas Rock. The burgeoning industries of industrial South Wales needed large numbers of heat-resistant bricks to line the furnaces in which copper and iron-smelting took place. Only bricks made from more or less pure silica could stand the intense temperatures without shattering. The silica rock was worked through a series of adits – horizontal mine passages driven into the side of the hill – both behind Craig-y-ddinas and on either side of the Nedd Fechan upstream of Pontneddfechan. Tramways were forced through difficult terrain to these mine entrances to permit horse-drawn drams to take away the rock to the brick works. An early factory was built by Messrs Frederick and Jenner at Dinas Bridge and a works was later established at Pont Walby near Glyn-neath.
The bigger mines were located at Dinas Rock where extensive workings still remain and have been reported on over the years especially in Dinas No. 3 (Upper) and to a lesser extent, Dinas Middle and Lower mines.
Smaller mines were located up the Nedd Fechan gorge and the tramway from these ran down to the Angel Inn. They generally tend to get overlooked due to the presence of their larger cousin in Dinas Rock and the fact that they are less assessable. Added to this, the typical Victorian mine owner didn't believe in employee creature comforts and as long as the take could be drammed out, the miners could fend for themselves. Consequentially, a lot of the Nedd Fechan workings involve movement via hands & knees and at times, belly crawls. Finally, abandonment and lack of pumping has given rise to the workings becoming flooded.
THE VISIT
Visited with a non-member while having a look around the river by the Gunpowder works and seemed a bit rude not to have a look in. Apologies for some of the photos but space was limited at times !
PHOTOS
1. Arch
2. Crossroads
3. Water
4. Drainage
5. Escape route
6. Tramway
7. White
8. End of the line
Thanks for looking !
