Beautiful Slate
In numerous shades of purple, blue, brown, green, and grey, slate is everywhere in Wales! Welsh slate has been exported around the world for hundreds of years and is said to have “roofed the world”. This gallery focusses on the uses of slate for other purposes – fences, gravestones, cladding, decorative features – showing its versatility, function, and beauty beyond roofing.
Find out more about the history of Welsh Slate in our award-winning book, Welsh Slate: Archaeology and History of an Industry / Llechi Cymru: Archaeoleg a Hanes published to support the nomination of the Slate Landscape of North-West Wales for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638262
File Reference : BUCP_431.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of the façade at first and second floor levels of 2 Ogwen Terrace, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C577591
File Reference : DS2013_346_008
Description : Detail of top left hand side of fireplace
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638325
File Reference : BUCP_458.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view looking south west, showing slate fences on footpath below Well Street, Gerlan, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638342
File Reference : BUCP_475.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view looking north east at Y Caban, Gerlan Road, Gerlan, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638340
File Reference : BUCP_473.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of a slate porch on Hill Street, Gerlan, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638360
File Reference : BUCP_493.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of porch with slate roof at Penybryn, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638432
File Reference : BUCP_565.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of slate porch at Cilfodan Street, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)NMR Site Files
Catalogue Number : C569377
File Reference : AA52/2729
Description : Interior view showing the slate memorial.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Emergency Recording Collection
Catalogue Number : C546450
File Reference :
Description : Digital colour photograph showing Iscoyd Park (interior, slate shelving), received in the course of Emergency Recording case ref no RCS2/1/2257.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C533829
File Reference : DS2010_159_001
Description : Houses with fence in foreground, from the west.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C577590
File Reference : DS2013_346_007
Description : Detail of top of left hand panel
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C574126
File Reference : DS2013_201_001
Description : View from the southwest, Carneddau in background
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C531987
File Reference : DS2009_214_115
Description : Slate slab roof, Tanyfron.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C631578
File Reference : IMG_6218.TIF
Description : Photographic survey of Penrhyn Castle, Bangor. Kitchens, slate water tank.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638401
File Reference : BUCP_534.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of slate porch on a house at James Street, Braichmelyn, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C578594
File Reference : DS2013_342_002
Description : Ornamental carved slate in Museum
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C577585
File Reference : DS2013_346_002
Description : Composite image of fireplace, lit for each panel
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C523201
File Reference : DS2006_006_013
Description : Chapel: Exterior - plaque from original chapel.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C631584
File Reference : IMG_6228.TIF
Description : Photographic survey of Penrhyn Castle, Bangor. Kitchens, slate butter churn.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C579644
File Reference : DS2013_534_006
Description : View of top centre relief showing slate splitting
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C524643
File Reference : DS2006_037_010
Description : Slate-clad southern part of main west front from the west.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C637974
File Reference : BUCP_240.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing detail of slate headstone in Macpela Cemetery, Deiniolen, produced by Richard Hayman 7th March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C637813
File Reference : BUCP_090.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing slate lintel to abandoned house on John Street, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C610764
File Reference : DS2015_196_041
Description : Gravestone of Anne & David James
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638254
File Reference : BUCP_426.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing slate hung gable end at Tai Victoria, Nantlle produced by Richard Hayman 9th February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C578323
File Reference : DS2013_508_001
Description : Detail of sand sawn slate
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638086
File Reference : BUCP_338.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of slate fence in front garden at Min Afon, Clwt-y-bont, Deiniolen, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C578596
File Reference : DS2013_342_004
Description : Ornamental carved slate in Museum
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C523014
File Reference : CD2003-255-498
Description : Exterior, slate door to the loo?
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C864243
File Reference : DS2010_909_005
Description : Datestone, 1873.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638395
File Reference : BUCP_528.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing modern use of slate at no. 22 High Street, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Catalogue Number : C540552
File Reference : DS2011_099_010
Description : Carved slate memorial slab on southeast wall.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C660698
File Reference : 026.TIF
Description : Theatr Ardudwy, Harlech, plaque
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638448
File Reference : BUCP_581.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of steps and gate piers to house set back from Carneddi Road, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C610741
File Reference : DS2015_196_018
Description : Carved detail of the gravestone of the Rev. Peter Joseph
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638375
File Reference : BUCP_508.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view looking east at the slate wall and porch of 11 Cefnfaes Street, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C578595
File Reference : DS2013_342_003
Description : Ornamental carved slate in Museum
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)NMR Site Files
Catalogue Number : C620956
File Reference : BB67/8453
Description : Photograph showing a slate-hung house in Dinas.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)RCAHMW Colour Oblique Digital Aerial Photographs
Catalogue Number : C902651
File Reference : AP_2008_2496.TIF
Description : RCAHMW colour oblique photograph of Slate beds, The National Botanic Garden of Wales. Taken by Toby Driver on 12/09/2008.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C579645
File Reference : DS2013_534_007
Description : View of relief showing war in action
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C610734
File Reference : DS2015_196_011
Description : Carved detail on the gravestone of Mary & Minnie Thomas
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638262
File Reference : BUCP_431.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of the façade at first and second floor levels of 2 Ogwen Terrace, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C577591
File Reference : DS2013_346_008
Description : Detail of top left hand side of fireplace
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638325
File Reference : BUCP_458.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view looking south west, showing slate fences on footpath below Well Street, Gerlan, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638342
File Reference : BUCP_475.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view looking north east at Y Caban, Gerlan Road, Gerlan, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638340
File Reference : BUCP_473.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of a slate porch on Hill Street, Gerlan, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638360
File Reference : BUCP_493.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of porch with slate roof at Penybryn, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638432
File Reference : BUCP_565.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of slate porch at Cilfodan Street, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
NMR Site Files
Catalogue Number : C569377
File Reference : AA52/2729
Description : Interior view showing the slate memorial.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Emergency Recording Collection
Catalogue Number : C546450
File Reference :
Description : Digital colour photograph showing Iscoyd Park (interior, slate shelving), received in the course of Emergency Recording case ref no RCS2/1/2257.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C533829
File Reference : DS2010_159_001
Description : Houses with fence in foreground, from the west.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C577590
File Reference : DS2013_346_007
Description : Detail of top of left hand panel
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C574126
File Reference : DS2013_201_001
Description : View from the southwest, Carneddau in background
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C531987
File Reference : DS2009_214_115
Description : Slate slab roof, Tanyfron.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C631578
File Reference : IMG_6218.TIF
Description : Photographic survey of Penrhyn Castle, Bangor. Kitchens, slate water tank.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638401
File Reference : BUCP_534.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of slate porch on a house at James Street, Braichmelyn, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C578594
File Reference : DS2013_342_002
Description : Ornamental carved slate in Museum
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C577585
File Reference : DS2013_346_002
Description : Composite image of fireplace, lit for each panel
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C523201
File Reference : DS2006_006_013
Description : Chapel: Exterior - plaque from original chapel.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C631584
File Reference : IMG_6228.TIF
Description : Photographic survey of Penrhyn Castle, Bangor. Kitchens, slate butter churn.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C579644
File Reference : DS2013_534_006
Description : View of top centre relief showing slate splitting
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C524643
File Reference : DS2006_037_010
Description : Slate-clad southern part of main west front from the west.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C637974
File Reference : BUCP_240.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing detail of slate headstone in Macpela Cemetery, Deiniolen, produced by Richard Hayman 7th March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C637813
File Reference : BUCP_090.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing slate lintel to abandoned house on John Street, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C610764
File Reference : DS2015_196_041
Description : Gravestone of Anne & David James
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638254
File Reference : BUCP_426.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing slate hung gable end at Tai Victoria, Nantlle produced by Richard Hayman 9th February 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C578323
File Reference : DS2013_508_001
Description : Detail of sand sawn slate
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638086
File Reference : BUCP_338.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of slate fence in front garden at Min Afon, Clwt-y-bont, Deiniolen, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C578596
File Reference : DS2013_342_004
Description : Ornamental carved slate in Museum
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C523014
File Reference : CD2003-255-498
Description : Exterior, slate door to the loo?
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C864243
File Reference : DS2010_909_005
Description : Datestone, 1873.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638395
File Reference : BUCP_528.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing modern use of slate at no. 22 High Street, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Catalogue Number : C540552
File Reference : DS2011_099_010
Description : Carved slate memorial slab on southeast wall.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C660698
File Reference : 026.TIF
Description : Theatr Ardudwy, Harlech, plaque
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638448
File Reference : BUCP_581.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view of steps and gate piers to house set back from Carneddi Road, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 2nd March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C610741
File Reference : DS2015_196_018
Description : Carved detail of the gravestone of the Rev. Peter Joseph
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Bethesda Urban Characterisation Photographs
Catalogue Number : C638375
File Reference : BUCP_508.TIF
Description : Colour photograph showing view looking east at the slate wall and porch of 11 Cefnfaes Street, Bethesda, produced by Richard Hayman 16th March 2017
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C578595
File Reference : DS2013_342_003
Description : Ornamental carved slate in Museum
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
NMR Site Files
Catalogue Number : C620956
File Reference : BB67/8453
Description : Photograph showing a slate-hung house in Dinas.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
RCAHMW Colour Oblique Digital Aerial Photographs
Catalogue Number : C902651
File Reference : AP_2008_2496.TIF
Description : RCAHMW colour oblique photograph of Slate beds, The National Botanic Garden of Wales. Taken by Toby Driver on 12/09/2008.
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C579645
File Reference : DS2013_534_007
Description : View of relief showing war in action
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)
Investigators' Digital Photography
Catalogue Number : C610734
File Reference : DS2015_196_011
Description : Carved detail on the gravestone of Mary & Minnie Thomas
(© Copyright Reserved; contact RCAHMW for details)