Token for Parys Copper Mine

TOKEN for Parys Copper Mine.

Mining began at Mynydd Parys in the Bronze Age and copper ingots have been found that bear Roman inscriptions. Large-scale extraction began in the 1760s following the discovery of a major ore-body known as the Great Lode. Initially, the ore was worked at the surface and then in opencast pits, before deeper deposits were exploited by means of shafts and adits. It was difficult and dangerous work, and contemporary visitors referred in awe to the steepness of the shafts and the agility of the miners. Women and children did not work down the mines, but above ground; 'copper ladies' used hammers and knock stones to separate the valuable copper from the waste. Famous visitors included Michael Faraday, whose 1819 diaries refer to the 'noble roar' of the gunpowder blasting. The mining industry was so important that the area even had its own coinage to pay the workers; the 'Parys Mountain penny', struck in the mine's own copper, was first minted locally in 1787. These tokens were made in various forms until 1817 (and even generated forgeries). Halfpennies were also made and it is estimated that over 10 million coins were issued. Mynydd Parys had been largely worked out by the 1890s and production ceased in 1911.

Dim cyfyngiadau/ No Restrictions

Adnau preifat / Private deposit.

Os gwelwch yn dda archebwch y dogfenau gan ddefnyddio y rhif cyfeirnod amgen (lle ddarperidd) / Please order documents using the alternative reference number (where provided)

Hard copies of the catalogue are available at Archifau Ynys Môn / Anglesey Archives and the National Register of Archives. It is the policy of Archifau Ynys Môn / Anglesey Archives to catalogue in the language of the document.

Cyflwr da / Good condition

Compiled by Helen Lewis for Archifau Ynys Môn / Anglesey Archives

http://angleseynature.co.uk/webmaps/mynyddparys.html

Mae'r holl gofnodiadau sy'n cydymffurfio â pholisi casglu Swyddfa Gofnodi Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn wedi eu cadw /All records which meet the collection policy of the Anglesey Archives have been retained.

Ni ddisgwylir croniadau/Accruals are not expected