CPAT Regional Historic Environment Record
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Fronfawnog

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 103219
Trust : Clwyd Powys
Community : Gwernaffield
Unitary authority : Flintshire
NGR : SJ21556385
Site Type (preferred type first) : POST MEDIEVAL LEAD MINE / POST MEDIEVAL SILVER MINE

Description :
Lead/Silver (Early 19th century-1880)

Geology
The Fronfawnog Mine was worked in the lower of two limestone flats, in which two main runs of ore ran east to west partly in the calcareous sandstone and partly in the underlying limestone. Unaccompanied by a vein, they were supposedly choked up water channels (Smith 1921).

Workings
An area of at least five recognisable old shafts and associated spoil, one a possible horse whim at SJ21396379, are located in the area of Fron-hyfryd Farm. There is certain real evidence of the engine shaft which apparently worked the mine at SJ21506380.

A second area of five large shafts and associated mounds are located at SJ21006370 to the east of Downhill Quarry and south of Pant-glas. Shafts remain at SJ20906390, SJ21056375 (possibly Taylor's Shaft), SJ21056365, SJ21256360 and SJ21306370.

An incline shaft ran from SJ20806375.

Transport
Documentary evidence suggests that an inclined plane, 300 yds south of the road at Pant-glas afforded means of access from the two areas of workings.

Power
Barton (1989) and Bayles (1969) record an 85" engine being ordered in November 1870 for the Great Fron Fawnog Mine from the Perran Foundry.

A 60" engine was built for the site by Hawarden foundry together with a 14" twin cylinder winder and capstan, and an 18" example.

A possible horse whim circle is visible at SJ21396379.

Processing
No evidence.

Other features
The farmhouse at SJ21386374 is the possible mine office.

Sources :
Barton, D B , 1989 , The Cornish Beam Engine
Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust , 1993 , Site visit record - PRN103219

Events :

Related records
CPAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 103219

Compiled date : 31-01-1985


Archaeological data, from the Historic Environment Record, supplied by The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust in partnership with Local Authorities, Cadw and the partners of ENDEX © CPAT, 2025 (and in part © Crown, 2025). It is intended to be used for private research only and is not for use as part of commercial projects. If you wish to use this information for publication in printed or multimedia form or to compile resources for commercial use, prior permission must be obtained in writing. Use of this information is subject to the terms and conditions of access to HER data published on CPAT's website. Please contact the HER if you have any further questions regarding this information. Please quote the Primary Reference Numbers (PRNs) in any correspondence.

May 3, 2025, 9:38 am - File produced for Archwilio from CPAT's Regional HER.
Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, The Offices, Coed y Dinas, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 8RP
tel (01938) 553670, email her@cpat.org.uk, website www.cpat.org.uk

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