The quarry – Nant Gwrtheyrn – commenced operations in 1861, adjacent to Porth y Nant, which now serves as a cherished language centre spearheading initiatives to revitalise the Welsh language.
A secluded settlement, residents’ existence centred around extracting and transporting Nant Gwrtheyrn stone for road surfacing – dispatching materials primarily via the Irish Sea, resulting in little interaction with the wider world, according to Nant Gwrtheyrn.
History.
After demand plummeted during the early stages of World War Two, the quarry shuttered, rendering the local population abandoned. The worldwide conflict caused operations to cease entirely, reports Wales Online.
The workers departed and their homes fell to ruin. Apart from a brief interlude when a handful of hippies attempted to revive the settlement in the 1860s, the village stood vacant.
Visitors can step back to the era when quarry labourers inhabited the local dwellings by exploring the quarryman’s cottage. This residence and its entire contents have been recreated to demonstrate how a quarryman and his household would have existed in 1910.
Subsequently, the location received an injection of funding that facilitated construction of a new school – which was eventually taken over by a local trust, headed by Dr Carl Clowes, who established it as a Welsh language centre.
Tre’r Ceiri.
Close by stands Tre’r Ceiri – amongst Wales’ most remarkable ancient monuments.
Initially discovered by renowned ‘Tours of Wales’ writer Thomas Pennant, this represents some of the earliest archaeological proof of existence in the Iron Age hillforts scattered across the elevated terrain above Nant Gwrtheyrn.
Both Tre’r Ceiri and Yr Eifl were occupied between 150 BC and 400 AD – little is known about them aside from their heavy reliance on locally sourced iron which was traded and distributed.
Debs posted on Trip Advisor: « What a fabulously tranquil place. We spent several hours here, walking and enjoying the peace and quiet. Found the history of Nant Gwrtheryn fascinating.
« We sampled the tasty cakes in the cafe. Would highly recommend a visit. We will most certainly return. »
Another visitor commented: « What a beautiful place. The Welsh Language Centre. The story behind the revival of this village is inspirational. The vision on a local doctor and the surrounding communities is worthy of a Hollywood film.
« The views are breathtaking and the road down is incredibly steep but worth it. We had breakfast in the cafe. Highly recommended good quality produce and full flavoured coffee.
« Another great plus was the indoor seating where we could have food with our dog.
« The lady who greeted us was so welcoming and friendly too. Just a beautiful place great walks too. »
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