Mostyn Colliery

The Welsh writer Thomas Pennant wrote that coal mines at Mostyn were established as far back as 1261, during the reign of Edward I.

[4] In the early years, coal was transported from the colliery by boats which approached the quay at high water but the changing river course meant that a partial canal was dug to ensure safe passage.

[5] Records show that Thomas Cowper and Richard Mason of London leased Mostyn Colliery in 1594.

[6] Records suggest that by the 17th century Mostyn was possibly the largest colliery on the western seaboard of Britain and probably the most profitable on the North Wales Coalfield.

[7] In 1602 Cowper and Mason sold a 13-year lease to Roger Mostyn for £70, beginning the colliery's association with what was to become one of North Wales' most influential families.

[5] Work started in 1843 on an embankment known locally as the 'cob' that had the dual purpose of reclaiming land from the River Dee, and providing a flood defence.

[22] The Mostyn Coal and Iron Company went into liquidation in 1879, in no small part due to changes within the ironworks business, however the full circumstances may never be known, as much of the historical record has been lost.

[23] The O.S Six-inch map of 1881,[24] shows Hanmer Colliery at 53.31293,-3.25588, and a Copper Works and Ayton Pit where Warwick Chemicals is now.

[23] However, by this time, serious explorations were under way at the nearby Point of Ayr site, which would ultimately become one of the last deep coal mines in Wales when it closed in 1996.