History of the Watch House & Porth Amlwch

Porth Amlwch is situated in a creek excavated along a fault – a natural crack in the rocks probably created when these 500 million years old rocks were compressed and folded as part of an enormous mountain chain stretching from the Appalachians to Scandinavia by the collision of two enormous plates (modern day Canada and Europe).

The history of Porth Amlwch dates back to medieval times but the sleepy fishing port was gradually overwhelmed by the copper trade as Parys Mountain copper mines expanded and the number of ships increased dramatically. Official details are listed by Coflein [wikipedia is remarkably silent on the topic].

"sleepy " harbour now, but was once wall to wall sailing ships loading and unloading cargo — “sleepy ” harbour now, but was once wall to wall sailing ships loading and unloading cargo [J Conway}

By the peak of copper ore production between 1760-1790 over a hundred ships were loading ore in the port from the large copper bins. There was also a considerable import trade of coal, gunpowder, mining machinery and supplies for the rapidly grown town. Limestone was a popular ballast or full cargo as it was needed for lime mortar or for liming fields.

seen from above, lime kiln constructed to receive limestone as ballast from ships arriving from South Wales to collect copper ore. Watch House in distance [J Conway]

An Act of Parliament in 1793 provided for enlargements and modifications to the harbour, the creation of the copper bins and the upper road for filling them. The two stub piers were built, with provision for large baulks of timber to be lowered in times of storm or large swell to protect moored ships.

end of stub wall showing cobbled floor and [infilled] slot of baulks of timber [J Conway}

The Watch House pier was built in 1816 and the lighthouse erected in 1819. In 1853 the Watch House was built to house the ‘hobblers’ while waiting their task of rowing out to meet incoming ships and tow them in, guide to their berths and eventually to tow them out again.

Porth Amlwch hosting a sailing ship [J Conway]

The harbour had an extended lease of life as James Treweek, the Parys Mine Captain, not only developed new ways of winning copper ore but founded a ship building yard on the far side, then another beyond the Watch House pier where there was room for two slipways and a dry dock, the latter can still be seen. the last ship built there was sailing until 1984.

Dry dock, or more correctly ‘graving’ dock for constructing ships and below, still useful! [J Conway]

GeoMon sell a short guide to the history of Porth Amlwch and the Watch House whilst there is a free downloadable walking trail to the port and its geology.

The Watch House song – describing life in the port and the Watch House

If Amlwch is at present a little short of posts,
And workshops have stood empty, still standing as like ghosts
Be certain that there was a time when mines worked heart and soul
And the harbour brimmed chock full of ships a busy loading coal.

That’s when the watch House held it’s place as centre of the host
Warm haven in the Winter, to while an hour at most
To pass judgement on the big wigs who came from far and near,
It was the watch house family who held all in it’s sphere.

Oft times within the company they would indulge in jokes
When Huw Rolant would set all astir by calling “Man the baulks”
And after all the labour of hauling “baulks” to shore,
Each man to Watch House would return for to indulge in more.

One really jolly seaman was the captain of “Rob Roy”
Superb at telling stories with his smile like a “Jolly Boy”
When the shore he could not sight, for he was no able seaman
But stern held fast to stomach he could make the Isle of Man

And enchanting was the sailor recounting tales long past
When all sailed together on the high seas that were vast
Tales of the roaring forties, and all would praise their vessel
With some of these recallings, the truth no doubt would wrestle.

Hot argument abated about the merits of the ships,
Some were for “Francis” and others for “Jane Grey”
Some boasted that the “Gauntlet” was of the praise most worthy
And others cried hat “Happy Harry” was the best at making money.

To “Holy Wath” the “Donald” and the “Coniston” gave praise,
And the famous” Margaret Hobley” Queen of the seven seas
As Captain Hughes of “Eilian” boasted a motor boat
So the Captain of the “Laura Francis” took of his sparing coat!

Much praise for the “Fanny” the “Pride” and “Lilly Green”
The “Princess” and the “Irish Minstrel” the “Martha” and the “British Queen”
And as for the “Hero” ,for which much can be said
For the glory of Anglesey and for the sons she bred

Some of the “Gaelic” and the “Meyrick” that sailed so far
Earned more than the rest of them and few could come a par,
But truth be known that for the loads and keeping safe and well
There was none better than the “Little Steamer” and that as sure as hell.
(anon 1913)

There’s a song written by Dave Tolhurst about Amlwch here also:

Geopark Centre

GeoMôn acquired the Watch House in 2010 for use as its visitor centre and has maintained and improved it ever since; renovating the lighthouse in 2020 so the “fixed white light” initiated in 1819 now shines again.

lighthouse by night — Lighthouse by night – shining again after a long darkness ! [M Schwaller]

For opening times, facilities and displays please see main page.

For special exhibitions or temporary displays please see displays page