Quarry Offices

Cadw's description

Location

Located between the store building to the north and the barracks to the south-west on Level VI (Bonc yr Offis) of Pen-yr-Orsedd Slate Quarry.

History

The quarry offices were built in 2 stages, in c1863 and between 1899 and 1907. The quarry opened c1816 when it was worked by William Turner. In 1863 it was bought by W A Darbishire & Co., after which it underwent substantial modernisation, reflected in the use of both water and steam power. During the 1890s about 450 men worked here; it finally closed in 1997.

Exterior

Single-storey T-plan office building, the earlier range (cross-wing) to the west, aligned approximately north-south with the later range to the east, aligned roughly east-west. The later range has opposed doors front and back through which the men progressed to collect their wages. Coursed slate rubble construction, the earlier cross-wing with remains of render and probably later slate hanging, the later range with some red brick dressings; gable-ended slate roofs with brick stacks. 12-paned sash to front cross-wing and three 6-paned sashes in later range.

Interior

Original plaster finishes survive.

Reason for designation

Listed as a good example of quarry offices at the remarkably well-preserved slate quarry at Pen-yr-Orsedd.