Until recently Clyne Valley was an important area of industrial activity. Much industrial heritage is still visible within the park. Coal mining was the initial industry in the valley, starting as early as 1305, although it was not until the sixteenth centuries that large scale coal working occurred. This took the form of Bell Pits, a hazardous method of working, which involved the digging out of a cavern as large as possible without causing roof collapse. These can be seen in particular in Clyne Woods on the western slopes of the valley. These were followed by larger pits such as the Clyne and Ynys Collieries. At this latter mine an old winding engine remains.The growth of the coal industry couple with local raw materials led to the growth of related industry. An ironworks was built near Clyne Quarry in the north and a Chemical Works operated off Mill Lane in the south, substantial elements of which remain.A brickmaking industry thrived from the early nineteenth century until well into the twentieth, the final works being demolished in 1950.The industrial activity required transport. A tramway connecting with Mumbles Railway was built in 1804 and a network of railway lines followed. A number of canals were also built, many remains of which are still clear today. (http://www.swansea.gov.uk/clynevalleycountrypark)
 |
Left : Old bricks from the brick-works laid downs along the footpaths
Right: Tracks from the Swansea and Mumbles Railway Clyne Valley Branch.
|
 |
Left: The Eagle Brickworks at Cwmafan, near Port Talbot, was once part of the Evans Bevan brewing, coal mining and brick making empire. The works ceased operations in 1968.
Middle: a product of Evans-Bevan Ltd, Clyne brickworks who also produced bricks imprinted 'Evans-Bevan Ltd, Clyne Works, Killay.
Right: an unknown brick.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment