Between Porth Wen and Cemaes Bay are the remains of Llanlleiana copper works which is situated at the most northerly point in Wales. The works consists of a smelting building and a remote chimney, this was to direct the noxious fumes away. There are also the remains of a much eroded small harbour. The works is next to the Anglesey coastal path and may be accessed by following the path east from the church at Llanbadrig or west from Porth Wen. This path involves some quite strenuous walking. Any further information on this site is most welcome, please contact me here.
Cemaes Bay brickworks
This brickworks was opened in 1907 by local landowner Lady Sarah Hughes-Hunter as the demand for bricks grew due to the growth in the tourist industry. However it was only in operation until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. The kiln is a refined version of the Hoffman type, first patented in Germany in 1858, and which became known as a Manchester kiln. It took the form of two parallel tunnels connected by curved sections at each end. The 92 foot chimney stack was outside the kiln structure proper. The tunnels were divided into 16 chambers and once lit the sequence of operations was continuous, new chambers being lit as earlier ones cooled. The site was partially restored by Anglesey County Council in 1998. The chimney is clearly visible from the A5025 just east of Cemaes Bay and a path leads down to the works.
Next page: Carmel Head navigation markers