Bryn Eglwys quarry

Bryn Eglwys
Spoil heaps at the disused Bryn Eglwys quarry, 2008
Location
Map of Gwynedd showing the position of the quarry
Map of Gwynedd showing the position of the quarry
Bryn Eglwys
Location in Gwynedd
Locationnear Abergynolwyn
CountyMerioneth (now Gwynedd)
CountryWales, UK
Coordinates52°38′0″N 3°55′53″W / 52.63333°N 3.93139°W / 52.63333; -3.93139
SH 693 057
Production
ProductsSlate
TypeQuarry
History
Opened1847 (1847)
Active1847-1909, 1911-1946
Closed1946 (1946)

Bryn Eglwys quarry was a slate quarry and mine near Abergynolwyn, in Merionethshire (now part of Gwynedd), Wales. More than 300 men worked at the site, making it the principal employer in the area. Two veins of slate, known as the Broad Vein and the Narrow Vein, were worked. The geology continues eastwards towards Corris and Dinas Mawddwy, and westwards towards Tywyn. It was one of many quarries that worked these veins.

The site, which was in operation for just over 100 years, covered almost 2 sq mi (5 km2). It had several long tunnels up to 250 m (820 ft) to 350 m (1,150 ft). However, since closure all buildings have been demolished. Most of its inclines and infrastructure have become part of forestry plantations.

From 1866 until 1948, the quarry was served by the narrow gauge Talyllyn Railway, which took the slate down to Tywyn for transfer to the main line railway.