Building the towns of North West Wales

A previously undescribed building stone for Caernarfon has been identified, expanding the understanding of quarry operations and stone sources in North West Wales. This study re-examines the use of specific stones in Edward I's Castles by identifying identical materials in later buildings, providing broader insights into their periods of operation and the local character defined by these stones. The research also summarizes building stones used in major settlements like Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, Beaumaris, Bangor, Y Felinheli, and Porthmadog, along with notable structures such as St Beuno's Church, slate barons' 'castles,' the Cob at Porthmadog, and key bridges. By analyzing stone materials across time and space, this work reconstructs historical quarrying practices and their impact on the architectural identity of the region.

Siddall, R. (2021). Building the towns of North West Wales. Natural Stone and World Heritage, 199–267. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003002444-5