Roman tile manufacture in the heart of Snowdonia
The remains of these two Roman tile kilns give fascinating insight into industrial activity during the Roman occupation of Wales, between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. Pen y Stryd is located near the town of Trawsfynydd, in the Rhinog mountains of Snowdonia. The site is close to ready supplies of both water and clay, the necessary components of ceramic tile manufacture.
The western kiln consists of a semi-circular mound with a hollow, originally an opening or ‘stoke-hole’ in the furnace itself. Nearby a second, smaller mound forms the old waste heap, in which broken and spoiled tiles and bricks, known as ‘wasters’, were discarded. The eastern kiln, less well preserved, sits in a nook higher up the stream.
The kilns are believed to have once supplied the nearby Roman forts of Tomen y Mur and Brithdir. Two parallel ditches either side of a raised track mark the line of the original Roman road that connected the two sites.
From Trawsfynydd, turn left at Bronaber for Rhiw Goch. Follow road for 1 mile to next junction
Porthmadog - 15 miles
Nearest bus stop at Bronaber - 1 mile
At junction of minor road, site is 100m above first rise on South side of stream
Site is 100m from road. Walking boots required. Dogs must be on a lead. OS map required. Parking at roadside only.
Full Figure Grid Reference: SH 726319 OS Landranger map sheet: 124