old hawn stone quarry - writing slates

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AndyC
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

7 years ago

Hi,

I have just learned that tha visitor centre at Ogwen Cottage is on the site of 'Old Hawn' stone quarry - mentioned on their web site:

http://ogwen.co.uk/snowdonia/

And was used to make produced writing slates used in schools. Anyone idea what sort of stone was used for these 'slates'? Was it low quality slate or something else entirely?

There is no mention in AJ Richard's Gazetteer of the Welsh Slate Industry.

In 1968 it looked quite like a slate quarry with typical spoil heaps (see link). You'll have to excuse the Yeti - it was a publicity shot for Doctor Who.

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-on-location-filming-dr-who-actor-patrick-troughton-filming-in-snowdonia-80377926.html

Been injured while at work and are not to blame?

Get over it.

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davel
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

7 years ago

"AndyC" wrote:
I have just learned that tha visitor centre at Ogwen Cottage is on the site of 'Old Hawn' stone quarry - mentioned on their web site:

http://ogwen.co.uk/snowdonia/

And was used to make produced writing slates used in schools. Anyone idea what sort of stone was used for these 'slates'? Was it low quality slate or something else entirely?

There is no mention in AJ Richard's Gazetteer of the Welsh Slate Industry.

It appears in the Home Office List of Quarries 1895–1897 as:
1895 Owner or Operator: Thomas & Nephew
1895–1897 Agent: Thomas, W E
1896–1897 Owner or Operator: Thomas, W E

RCAHMW Coflein record it as Pen-y-benglog slate quarry but give no further details.

A J Richard records it as Idwal quarry (2nd ed. p. 30) and describes it as a hone quarry. I suspect that 'hawn' is someone hearing it so described and making a guess at the spelling.

I'm not sure where the information "this quarry produced writing slates used in schools in the last century and exported worldwide" comes from.

Dave

JonK
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

7 years ago

There is another Hone Quarry on Moel Siabod at SH722540 which is worth a visit.

Incidentally, you can still buy Hone Stones from Inigo Jones at Groeslon under the "Dragons Tonque" brand - every garage should have one!

jaiyls
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

7 years ago

went to the siabod quarry 15...20..probably 20+ years ago its right on the boundary with the bwlch forestry known localy as chwaral hons and picked up a few stones took them home and filed them down with an old rasp, then a finer one, and then a finer one,and so on, i still use them to polish my pocket knives after sharpening with a carborundum, it is slate but not as we know it Jim..hard, difficult to split but not impossible and would probably shatter in a dressing machine. after sharpening the blade is tested on my arms if it shaves the hairs 😮 its put to work skining dead lambs for adopting orphans, and ear marking lambs with the farm's earmark.

Have you got any blocks boy?

AndyC
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

7 years ago

Thanks for the replies.

I think this is the first time I have seen 'earmarking' used in the original literal sense..

Been injured while at work and are not to blame?

Get over it.

jaiyls
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

7 years ago

i just remembered iv'e got two hone's both slate, creamy white on one side and dark on the other more red'ish than blaenau slate, the red and white are natural layers of slate not a man made joint, any one know what these particular layers are called? i only use the white for sharpening but the other side should work as well, any idea which quarry they came from? i would imagine there from nantlle or ogwen defo not ffestiniog.

Have you got any blocks boy?