The Decline of the Slate Industry

The slate industry grew massively through the 19th Century and Pembrokeshire was a big part of it. However, in the late 1870's the market crashed due to the increased competition from imports and prices dropped significantly.

This led to a fall in the production of slate at quarries around the county and many of the smaller ones were forced to close.

There was a recovery in the market by the 1890's, but the industry was never the same again. Some quarries continued to be worked up until the 1930's but eventually the increased competition from larger producers and the availability of alternative roofing materials led to the closure of most slate quarries in the County.

Slate was still being produced at Gilfach quarry up until 1987 when it was finally closed. Today, there is still quarrying taking place at Cwnc y Derin in Llangolman, although this is on a very small scale.