Yesteryear's magic still weaving its charms : Dolau Cothi Gold Mines.
Dolau Cothi Mines nestle proudly in the breathtaking beauty of our teasured Cothi Valley in mid Wales.
They are the only mines in the whole of the UK to date back to Roman times.
The owners being the Johnes family gave these mines to the national Trust back in 1941.
It is over 2,500 acres and includes a large farming estate;to include nine tenant farms and twenty-four cottages.
Water was diverted from the hills to wash away waste rock which in turn left the gold heavier.
The gold was sent to be made into coins at the Imperial Mint in Lyon.
I have learnt today that this harsh mining enviroment continued in the 19th and 20th century and right up until 1938.
We had a wonderful day out exploring this wonderful gem from days gone by along with Dai's sister Pat and hubby Terry.
Painstaking toiling
Prevails each inner being
Tomorrow's blessings.
x
Courage and great strength
Fills hearts with a pride so clear
Tenacious wonder.
x
A simple lifestyle
Hard work and honest living
Deep pride and great faith .
Welcome to Dolau Cothi Gold Mines.
Many myths have surrounded the mines over the years;one tells of five good men who lived nearby :- Celynnen,Ceitho,Gwen,Gwnog and Gwyno.
A sorcerer who lived in one of the caverns at the mines one night attacked then with a hailstorm so violent ,their heads made dents in the rock.
The sorcerer then took them down to his lair where they still rest just like King Arthur in an enchanted sleep.
Five good men one day vanished
Many cried ;many grieved!!!
Today enchanted their sleep
Another myth to proudly keep.
On our way down to the mines.
The sad story of Ned Lions.
Ned was a miner at the mines who always worked a hard and long twelve hour shift ,six days a week back in the 1930s.
It is believed that one very cold winter's day Ned was lowered into the ore pass to excavate a long adit.
After an hour or so into the day Ned's candle went out and as this was his only source of light he was left in total darkness!!!
Ned yelled for all he was worth but alas there was no reply!!!
Poor poor Ned !!!
Hour upon hour passed and still no-one heard his cries for help.
He made the decision to climb the slippery rock surface even though he was in total darkness and his hands numb from the cold.
He did manage to get up around halfway before slipping down to the bottom.
At the end of his shift Ned's size 9 boot was found .The miners searched and searched the ore pass bud tragically poor Ned was never found !!!
To this very day many say they can still hear his cries for help !!
Poor Ned was left to die
No one heard his cry;
To this day his cries don't cease
Will he one day live in peace ???!!!
Various machinery used by the miners.
Each treasured beauty
On the winds of Father Time
Yesteryear compels.
x
Drawing us nearer
Proud nostalgia caresses
Treasures so precious.
Oh wow Pat and Dai find gold !!!We are finally rich ha ha!!!
Each striking moment
Carries me to paradise
Intentions so sure.
x
Deep felt emotions
Playing on yesterday's breeze
Magical moments.
Follow me to enjoy the most beautiful of views surrounding this mine.
I hope you all did enjoy
Your day at Dolaucothi Mine.
I now return to pan some gold
In the wish to make a dime.
x
However if I do not
Not a tear will I shed;
I have memories dear
Forever in my head.
Take care to you one and all !!!
Here's lots of love and hugs from my little corner of Wales.
Eddy.
