HISTORY
The goldmine is part of the Meirionnydd gold belt, Gwynfynydd which is about 6 miles south being the most famous. Prince Edward mine was originally known as Moel y Croesau (Hill of Crosses) named after the nearby hill of the same name. The mine started operating circa 1895 and worked on and off until 1935.
The gold it produced was said to have been extremely rich and the gold in the regalia of the Prince of Wales' (Edward) investiture in 1911 came from here. In 1935, the gold for Princess Marina's wedding ring and subsequent Royal weddings including that of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones were made from gold that was mined at Moel y Croesau and other nearby mines.
The highest output was recorded between 1911-1912 and in total, 123 tons of gold ore yielding 278 ounces of gold were produced.
Because of the remoteness of the mine, the workmen stayed in the adjacent barracks during the week, returning to their families at the weekend.
THE VISIT
After seeing the rather excellent report of this place by the @The Kwan a few years ago, we visited Prince Edward mine but between shitty weather and camera fail, the photos were only fit for the Fetid Pit. It was always the intention to re-visit but between everything, this place went slightly off the radar. Fast forward to 2021 and the equally excellent report from @HughieD from here and interest in a return visit was piqued.
Fitted in on a work trip along with a couple of other places and many thanks to @HughieD for the information re. timings, etc. as we were on a tight schedule and the info was bang on. Thanks again Hughie !
Visited with a non-member.
PHOTOS
1. Drive
2. Jagged
3. Passage
4. Twist
5. Junction
6. Support
7. Winze
8. Incline
9. Withered
10. Water
11. End
12. Gate
Thanks for looking !
The goldmine is part of the Meirionnydd gold belt, Gwynfynydd which is about 6 miles south being the most famous. Prince Edward mine was originally known as Moel y Croesau (Hill of Crosses) named after the nearby hill of the same name. The mine started operating circa 1895 and worked on and off until 1935.
The gold it produced was said to have been extremely rich and the gold in the regalia of the Prince of Wales' (Edward) investiture in 1911 came from here. In 1935, the gold for Princess Marina's wedding ring and subsequent Royal weddings including that of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones were made from gold that was mined at Moel y Croesau and other nearby mines.
The highest output was recorded between 1911-1912 and in total, 123 tons of gold ore yielding 278 ounces of gold were produced.
Because of the remoteness of the mine, the workmen stayed in the adjacent barracks during the week, returning to their families at the weekend.
THE VISIT
After seeing the rather excellent report of this place by the @The Kwan a few years ago, we visited Prince Edward mine but between shitty weather and camera fail, the photos were only fit for the Fetid Pit. It was always the intention to re-visit but between everything, this place went slightly off the radar. Fast forward to 2021 and the equally excellent report from @HughieD from here and interest in a return visit was piqued.
Fitted in on a work trip along with a couple of other places and many thanks to @HughieD for the information re. timings, etc. as we were on a tight schedule and the info was bang on. Thanks again Hughie !
Visited with a non-member.
PHOTOS
1. Drive
2. Jagged
3. Passage
4. Twist
5. Junction
6. Support
7. Winze
8. Incline
9. Withered
10. Water
11. End
12. Gate
Thanks for looking !
