Welsh Slate is generally regarded as the finest slate in the world and has been supplying the world with a high-quality roofing option for hundreds of years from its various quarries in North Wales. It has been crafted by many generations from all walks of life, from the Iron Age to the present day. The dependable nature of this highly sought-after slate has made Wales a leader in natural slate production and export for centuries.
Some of the most well-known quarries producing this exceptional slate include Penrhyn Quarry, Cwt-y-Bugail Quarry, Delabole Quarry, and Mill Hill Quarry.
From its source near Bethesda in North Wales, Penrhyn Quarry has been producing and dominating the Welsh slate industry since opening in 1782. Penrhyn Quarry has been at the centre and the focal point for UK natural stone and has a heritage as a highly sought-after natural stone for 700 years. It remained Britain’s largest slate quarry, with a workforce of around 200 quarrymen.
Over the centuries, Welsh slate was shipped to all the major UK ports and many Western European destinations. In July 2021, the slate landscape in North Wales was awarded world heritage status and became the 4th site in Wales and the 32nd in the UK to achieve heritage status.
Evidence of shipping of materials dates back to the fourteenth-century and by the eighteenth-century Welsh slate was being shipped to all the major UK ports as well as many western European destinations.
At UK Slate, we maintain a varied stock of natural Welsh slate available in various sizes and thicknesses to suit any desired specifications. We also offer further customisation of your chosen slate to provide the perfect slate for either roofing, flooring or landscaping. We are the premier choice for those looking to purchase high-quality Welsh roof slate for their project.
Among our selection, we are proud to offer two of the most iconic Welsh slate options – Welsh Dark Blue Grey and Welsh Heather Blue. These slates are not only know for their exceptional quality but also for their rich history and distinctive appearance, making them a popular choice for a wide range of roofing projects.
Welsh Dark Blue Grey is quarried from the Cwt-y-Bugail Quarry, with production dating back to 1840. This beautiful slate allows you to incorporate the history of Wales into your home. Available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to suit all types of roof design. Its thicker grades are progressively more rugged and suit projects where character and definition of the edge details are desired.
For a more unique and rare option, Welsh Heather Blue is an excellent choice. Sourced from the famous Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales, which dates back to the thirteenth century, this slate is renowned for its distinctive heather blue or purple colouring. Used by architects and designers worldwide to create beautiful and unique roofs, Heather Blue adds an elegant, striking finish to any project. With Penrhyn Quarry operating for over 400 years, this slate truly embodies the heritage and craftsmanship of Welsh slate production.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about our Welsh slate, and one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members will happily assist you.
