Cwmystwyth Mines

Cwm Ystwyth is a scheduled monument, with mining activity dating back to the Bronze Age.

Silver, lead and zinc have been mined in the valley of the River Ystwyth since Roman times, an activity that reached its peak in the 18th century.

It is reputed that the average age at death of the miners in Cwmystwyth was 32, largely because of acute lead poisoning.

In the case of Cwm Ystwyth mine, much of the water was brought in by contour hugging leats from several miles upstream.

[3] A survey of the River Ystwyth in 1919 showed that due to mining activity in the area, the fauna was restricted to nine species, mostly of insects.