Glenys explained why she backed this Restoration bid: "The painted desert landscape of the mountain is breathtakingly beautiful and the little port where sailing ships were built has a long and colourful history.
Industrial heritage sites will, I believe, be sadly lacking in a series which will largely focus on grand houses and historic buildings. Our bid in North Wales uniquely features evidence of copper mining from the Bronze Age to the 18th Century, when Anglesey was the biggest exported of copper in the world. Where else could you see such evocative beauty and be given such insight about a fundamental foundation of industrial development?
The mountain and the port could attract many more visitors if information about both is spread and the restoration work is fully advanced. This isn't dry as dust history, it is a living story of regeneration, hope and opportunity for the community in Amlwch and beyond."
your comments
Robert, London
I am currently working with an artist to create an etching of Anglesey, on copper sourced directly from Parys Mountain. The place is extraordinary, its history and importance remains far too well kept a secret. I completely agree with Mrs Kinnock and hope Amlwch's need for regeneration is more widely recognised and addressed. I hope that my project will go some small way to help promote such a special place.
Mon Oct 20 09:29:56 2008
Pat McCoy Liverpool
When I was a child in Sutton, St.Helens, many of my relatives worked at The Rolling Mill (copper) owned by Thomas Bolton and Sons. I am seeking info. about the relocation of many people from North Wales (including my ancestors) to start this factory. There were many Williams and Jones families. Some had intermarried. Dates and origins would give me a good starting point. Thank you.
Wed Mar 12 15:04:14 2008
Jan Nicholls from Clwyd.
I would love to see Amlwch Port restored to its former glory.It is a beautiful place, however it seems to be neglected from its previous history.Are there any plans to restore it?Wouldn't it be wonderfull to be able to board a ship and sail from there, even if to another local port.
Thu Feb 7 10:49:16 2008
Jim Warren
The copper used at Bolton's Oakamoor works, including that to spin the Tranatlantic Cable, was reduced nearby at Whiston and sourced from the Duke of Devonshires mines at Ecton near Hartington.
Tue Apr 10 10:55:54 2007
Geoffrey Coates from Laramie, Wyo,USA
My grandfather, William Coates, was Assistant Works Manager at the Oakamoor works of Thomas Bolton & Sons. I have long been curious about where the works got its copper, The ore was not reduce to metallic copper at Oakamoor. Where did it come from? Does anybody know?
Sun Mar 26 17:46:09 2006
Jean Cousins from Deeside
Having been born and brought up in Amlwch I fully agree that we should back the restoration of both the harbour and Parys Mountain. As a very small child we lived in mill house in Pentrefellin, over looking the mountain and the red river running just meters from the house. I still come home as my family still live in the town ' what an awesome sight. Let's protect our heritage remember amlwch was nothing before the copper.
Tue Jul 26 08:00:34 2005
Edward Bolton
Yes - restoration should be done if it meets the approval of the locals and if it can be funded satisfactorily.
No, I do not know Glenys Kinnock (I never lived in Anglesey but holidayed in Harlech).
My great grandfather Alfred Bolton ran Thomas Bolton and Sons Ltd of Oakamoor and Froghall (Staffs), and manufactured the copper cable for the first transatlantic telegraph laid in 1858. I do not know where the copper was sourced. Does the mine have records?
Thu Aug 21 18:40:26 2003
Jim Todd, from Four Mile Bridge, Anglesey
The mine at Parys Mountain is firstly unique in it's entirety. The views from the top of the mine into the workings are spectacular, as are the views from the top of the mine to the surrounding countryside and sea.
The ideas for routes for the tour (of the mountain) are endless, from the mine to the smelting grounds, from the smelting grounds to the tranportation from the mountain to Amlwch and finally to a recreated pub (cafe/resturant) as it would have been when the mine was in its heyday.
I truly believe this to be THE prime candidate for the reasons I have stated and a few more plusses.
Unemployment on the Isle of Anglesey is very high and with the future of Wylfa Power station hanging in the balance, with a direct effect on Anglesey Aluminium, the unemployment is almost sure to rise even higher unless we create an alterative.
This project would be ideal, a great tourist attraction (look at how successful
the copper mines are at the Great Orme in Llandudno!)
For many people on the island the mine holds a lot of history and there are many locals who could tell a tale or two from what they've heard from their predecessors.
This piece of history is about the people of the island, not the success of the owner of it. These people lost their lives and died prematurely for their labours.
There are lots of beautiful buildings in this series but they hold no value compared to this magnificent achievement by the people of "Ynys Mon". My vote is 100% for Amlwch/Parys Mountain.
Fri Aug 15 10:08:15 2003
