Learn the History Behind Your North Wales Adventure

History of Braich Goch Slate Mine

The first slate mining to take place around Braich Goch began in open cast pits, on the hillside above the Corris Craft Centre, around 1800. From 1836 onwards tunnels were driven through the hillside to reach the seam of slate deeper in the mountain. On a Corris mine exploration you will discover these tunnels and immense caverns making it a great venue for school history trips and one of the best things to do Mid Wales. A perfect venue for School History Trips.

For this North Wales adventure, the early years were difficult and four different companies failed before the opening of the Corris Railway in 1859 and the establishment of the Braich Goch Slate Quarry Co. in 1864.

During its heyday, in 1878, the mine employed 250 men and produced 7,000 tons of slab and roofing slate. This was sent all over the world. Rising costs and falling demand saw the company collapse in 1906. Another 6 companies worked the mine, intermittently, until 1970 when the mine finally closed.

Over the years, 7 different levels of the mine had been excavated. During the Corris Mine Explorers visit you explore levels 4, 5 and 6. Part of the lowest level of the mine, level 6, is used by King Arthur’s Labyrinth. Like a behind the scenes tour, you look down on the King Arthur’s Labyrinth attraction as a part of your underground caving exploration.

Throughout the county of Gwynedd, (Corris is at the southern end of the county), and during Britain’s Industrial Revolution, many slate mines operated and high quality Welsh slate was transported all over the world. The slate mining areas of Gwynedd have been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Further information can be found in a small Slate Mine Exhibition at the Corris Craft Centre. Or, to really find out more and to discover the Braich Goch Slate Mine for yourself book an underground exploration with Corris Mine Explorers.