Wharf at Cei Newydd

Cadw's description

Location

Sited along the E bank of the Afon Dwyryd and below the W side of the A496 opposite Cei Newydd.

History

Early C19 slate quay or wharf. The lower Dwyryd Valley was owned by the Oakley family at Plas Tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog. William Oakley began a major scheme to drain the valley and to build stout earthen embankments to keep the tidal river within its banks. A document of 1796 refers to 1423 yards (1301 metres) of embankment, with associated drains etc, costing £309. William died in 1811 and the estate passed to his son William Gryffyd Oakeley, who spent a fortune on the estate and building new estate buildings in the area. It was also during the early years of his estate management that the nearby slate quarries were developed.
The opening and rapid development of the slate quarrying industry at Blaenau Ffestiniog at the beginning of the century gave rise to the construction of quays all along the banks of the Afon Dwyryd; at first the slates were brought down to the quays and loaded onto sea-going ships for transportation. The opening of the narrow gauge railway (1833-1836) from Blaenau to Portmadoc brought this traffic to an end.

Exterior

One of a series of slate quays along the banks of the Afon Dwyryd. Built of large slabs of local stone in a pattern of large crenellations.

Reason for designation

Listed as one of a series of little-altered slate quays along the banks of the Afon Dwyryd; of particular interest for their links to the slate industry which was so important to the region throughout the C19.