Slate quarrying in Pembrokeshire [ continued-part 5 ] ########### 1861/71 By 1861 the slate industry was in decline in this locality, and the census records far fewer quarrymen and slate workers. There is at least one "Slater's wife" recorded as head, implying that her husband had moved away looking for work. Not all the sons were now tempted by the slate industry ; Robert Roberts , aged 18, son of Henry Roberts of Trevacoon, was shown as a "Mariner", not surprising in a part of Wales where a connection with the sea had always been important in people's lives. By 1871 the number of Llanrhian quarrymen recorded as having some connection with north Wales had further dwindled, the industry in north Wales was in good heart so perhaps some were tempted to return there. Two families were doing well enough out of the local slate industry, namely ; William Pritchard , of Cwmwdig Water, a native of Beddgelert, CAE, a "Slate Quarry Agent" ; and Thomas Williams, of Norma Terrace[?], a native of Bangor, CAE, and a "Slate Quarry Manager". [Based on The Pembrokeshire Slate Quarrymen by Dafydd Roberts, in Llafur [Journal of Welsh Labour History] Vol 5/1, 1988. Gareth, 24 Jan 2001 D/P] ######### Gareth List Administrator for Dyfed, CGN & PEM. Lookup Exchange http://www.johngareth.freeserve.co.uk/lookup.html Help Page http://www.johngareth.freeserve.co.uk/hicks.html