A Village Is Born

This rural area on the Llyn Peninsula had previously consisted of three farms and around 16 people, but by 1900, a thriving industrial village had developed. Kneeshaw and Lupton were responsible for giving the village it’s new title, Port Nant.


In 1878, the quarry company decided that a more permanent accommodation was needed for the quarrymen of Port Nant. These quarry cottages were called Sea View (Trem y Mor) and Mountain View (Trem y Mynydd).


By the 1886 census the Nant's inhabitants had risen to 200 people, and two out of every three were Welsh speaking. Some workers came from the villages of Pistyll and Edern on the Llyn Peninsula, others came from Penmaenmawr, while some were Anglesey farmers who ventured to the mainland to find work.

The workers were paid every second Saturday, and were immediately expected to pay their rent and their account in the co-operative shop, where the office is today.


Although the work was hard and conditions were dangerous, a close community was established at Port Nant.

Y Plas was also built in this period, as a home for the Quarry Manager, situated on the farthest side of "Mountain View". This building is currently used as the teaching centre in the Nant.

Did you know?

In 1983, Eileen M. Webb published a book called "This Valley Was Ours" (1983). Originally Eileen Salmon, she was the daughter of the quarry manager and her book describes life in the village during the 1930s.