The History of Welsh Slate

• The slate industry in North Wales dates back to the 2^nd century when the Romans used locally quarried heather slate (possibly from Penrhyn) to roof the fort at Segontium (modern Caernarfon)

• Slate has been quarried and used in Wales since this period and the industry reached its peak in the late 19^th century with major quarry operations like Penrhyn, Dinworig, and Ffestiniog dominating the world’s slate production

• The industry employed over 10,000 men at this time

• With the emergence of cheaper man-made roofing materials, the industry went into decline in the 20^th century and many quarries were forced to close

• Over the last 25 years there has been a huge revival of Welsh Slate

• Penrhyn and Cwt-y-Bugail quarries are currently thriving and are the largest producer of natural roofing slate outside of Spain

• These quarries trade under the name ‘Welsh Slate’ and employ over 200 people, selling their top end slates to discerning clients all over the world