| The history of Cae Coch can be traced back to the time of John Wynn in the seventeenth century. Lord Wynn explored the geology of his estate in the Gwydir forest, Zinc, Sulphur and lead were all detected. Wynn's early explorations are of great importance to the history of mining in the UK. Significant mining did not begin at Cae Coch until a private company; Thompson and Hill acquired the site in 1817. At its peak the company employed up to 119 workers who excavated up to a 9400 tonnes a year. The next phase of history at the site began in 1914 when the war office commandeered the site, sulphur being a key component in the making of explosives. The site grew, four levels being excavated in total. After a brief spell of excavation in the Second World War, the site permanently closed. Today extensive re landscaping by the forestry commission almost completely hide the site. Inside the mine is a unique working but great care must be taken if visiting. |
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