Ropeway Winding House (north-east)

Cadw's description

Location

Located immediately to the north-west of the slate mill on Level IV (Bonc Isa') of Pen-yr-Orsedd Slate Quarry.

History

Built in 1929 to wind the blondin ropeway from Wern Ifan pit. 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 rectangular plan structure aligned north-east to south-west, constructed of roughly coursed slate slabs with gable-ended slate roof. Central window (joinery missing) to front wall with doorway and further window openings in left gable end; integral red brick stack to right gable end.

Interior

Retains concrete base for former electric motor which wound the blondin ropeway. On the internal wall are 3 murals, each contained in a painted disc, one depicting a horse's head, the others a bird on a branch and a dog's head with potted plant.

Reason for designation

Included as a well-preserved example of a C20 winding house operated by electric power and associated with the extensive blondin system at the quarry; part of the remarkable complex of buildings at Pen-yr-Orsedd Slate Quarry forming a group with other items on Level IV.