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"Trwyn
Dwmi"
Porth y Pistyll ( Trwyn Dwmi.)
Twyn Dwmi is situated at the western end of Aberdaron bay, half way between the beach and Pen y Cil. The stone jetty can still be seen, at the bottom of the steep cliff.
Work started at Porth y Pistyll or Trwyn Dwmi Works as it is known locally in 1907 Hugh Evans, Ty Canol, Galltraeth was the manager. In 1908 stone was quarried at Graig y Cwlwm, under the management of Mr Mercer from London.
The rock was granite and they were cut into various shapes or sets they were used predominantly for paving streets and thoroughfares. Eight or more houses were to built on Rhos Bodermyd Isaf with the stones from the quarry, and foundations for six were laid, but only two were built and such was the skill and craftsmanship used in their construction that they remain in near perfect condition well over ninety years later.
It was also intended to build a shop and chapel at the same time. Another reminder of their skill as stonemasons can be seen in Porth Pistyll where a bollard was made to tie the ships up when they came to load cargo. The bollard was carved out of the natural stone.
Two little harbours were constructed where the ships could tie up and load cargo. The biggest problem was keeping the harbour clear as the sea would bring back the stones from where they had been cleared. A railway was constructed in the shape of a bow, there was a steam engine known as a ‘steam crane’ that was used to raise and lower stones and goods to and from the quarry. It was rather a difficult place for the workmen to get to as the cliff was so steep, they would walk part of the way down, then use ladders to get to the bottom.
After the initial period of working the quarry it closed down for a time, but quite when we’re not sure, but it was re-opened in the mid thirties under the management of Mr Jackson, but according to some of the workers no sets were sold at this time. So much effort and resources were put into the quarry to prepare for production that the company became bankrupt, but there are a few fireplaces in Llyn that are decorated with the beautiful granite sets to be had from this quarry.
About 45 people worked at the quarry here are the names of a few of them:-
Emmanuel Jones, Tyn Gamdde.
William Jones, Tan Gofer (miner)
William Jones, Tan Garn.
Evan Jones, Pig y Parc.
William Jones, Dolfor.
Humphrey Williams, Plas Coch (carpenter)
Griffith Evans, Dynfra.
Robert Evans, Dynfra ( he was killed during a rockfall)
Catrin Jones, Tyn Gamdde.
Robat Parry, Bryn Goronwy.
Love Pritchard, Talcen Foel.
Huw Williams, Tyn Mynydd.
John Lewis Roberts, Bryncanaid.
John Kidd, Pentre’r Felin.
Huw Erith Williams, Brynchwilog.
Robin, Morfa Nefyn, (smithy0
Eban Jones, Tyn Ffrydiau, Garn Fadryn.
Richard Roberts, Brynawelon.
John Jones, Terfyn.
Robat Thomas, Pwllheli.
Ifan (Trwyndwmi) Llanaelhaearn.
Huw, Bwlchffordd.
There are a variety of metals to be found in the rocks around Aberdaron. At Nant Dwyros there are rocks that are multicoloured and are a type of quartz. These strata were worked for a time where Afon Saint flows into the sea and a jetty was built out of wood to accommodate the ships, but it was never used.
"Nant Dwyros Jetty"
At Porth Felen there’s jasper, limestone on Mynydd Mawr and jasper at Llanllawen. On Anelog near Ogof Meurig copper can be found and it was worked for a time during 1912 – 1913. Jasper from Mynydd Carreg was also worked and taken to London. ~~~~~~
The Carreg Plas Jasper. ( From Stone Trade Journal circa 1904)
This site was discovered by Captain Trevethan, and he says “There is no doubt that the supply of jasper is inexhaustible, and the removal of some 100 tons per week would make little difference there, here in North Wales we are able to obtain what quantity we like. There should be no difficulty in getting a solid block of good stone of about 50 tons in weight”. He goes on “ The colour of the stone is very fine, and when we first visited the spot we found the prevailing hue was cherry red, with verigated pieces. The specimens that we have already cut and polished show a fine grain, take a high polish, and cannot be affected by acids. In fact, I submitted a sample to a lapidary as marble, and to use his own words, he put enough acid on it to eat it up, but it was not affected in the least. It is said that the supply of jasper at present comes from India and Egypt, but I hope, for the sake of the Principality, that in the near future Wales have its share of the patronage for this stone now bestowed elsewhere”.
If the market value could be found as is recorded but sixty years ago, of a piece of polished jasper, two inches square, being sold for £60 --- this would be a find indeed.
Wales is once again to the fore; the little Principality is again to put forth her mineral wealth for the benefit of the world.
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