The isolated quarry village of Nant Gwrtheyrn was once a thriving community before it was abandoned. But it was given a new lease of life as a beloved Welsh language centre
Nant Gwrtheyrn looking back towards Yr Eifl(Image: Daily Post Wales)
Nestled between the Irish Sea and the Eifl mountains at the very edge of civilisation, this tiny village was once frozen in time before its thriving mining heritage was brought back to life.
The quarry at Nant Gwrtheyrn launched operations in 1861, adjacent to Porth y Nant, which now serves as a cherished language centre at the forefront of campaigns to revitalise the Welsh language.
In this remote community, residents’ existence centred around extracting and transporting Nant Gwrtheyrn stone for road surfacing – dispatching materials primarily via the Irish Sea, which resulted in scant interaction with the wider world, according to Nant Gwrtheyrn.
History.
When demand plummeted during the early stages of World War Two, the quarry closed, abandoning the local community to desolation. The worldwide conflict brought production to a standstill, reports Wales Online.
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The villagers left and their homes fell to ruin. Apart from a brief spell in the 1860s when a handful of outsiders attempted to rejuvenate the settlement, the village stood deserted.
Visitors can step back in time to the era when quarry labourers lived in the local cottages by exploring the quarryman’s cottage. This dwelling and all its contents have been recreated to demonstrate how a quarryman and his family would have existed in 1910.
Subsequently, the location received an injection of funding that would construct a new school – which was eventually taken over by a local trust, spearheaded by Dr Carl Clowes, who established it to create a Welsh language centre.
Tre’r Ceiri.
Close by stands Tre’r Ceiri – among Wales’ most impressive ancient sites.
Initially documented by Thomas Pennant, the renowned author of ‘Tours of Wales’, this represents some of the earliest archaeological proof of existence within the Iron Age hillforts scattered across the elevated terrain surrounding Nant Gwrtheyrn.
Both Tre’r Ceiri and Yr Eifl saw habitation from 150 BC through to 400 AD – our knowledge of them remains limited, though we understand they relied substantially on locally sourced iron, which was traded and exported.
Debs wrote on Trip Advisor: “What a fabulously tranquil place. We spent several hours here, walking and enjoying the peace and quiet. Found the history of Nant Gwrtheryn fascinating.
“We sampled the tasty cakes in the cafe. Would highly recommend a visit. We will most certainly return.”
One visitor said: “What a beautiful place. The Welsh Language Centre. The story behind the revival of this village is inspirational. The vision on a local doctor and the surrounding communities is worthy of a Hollywood film.
“The views are breathtaking and the road down is incredibly steep but worth it.
“We had breakfast in the cafe. Highly recommended good quality produce and full flavoured coffee. Another great plus was the indoor seating where we could have food with our dog.
“The lady who greeted us was so welcoming and friendly too. Just a beautiful place great walks too.”