Welsh Cottage

Cottage in the sunshine in Betws-y-Coed village, N. Wales. Quality slate is one of the natural assets of North Wales, particularly the west of the area, and much use was made of it locally as a building and roofing material. The slate industry, which has existed since Roman times (1st - 5th century AD) enjoyed a hey day during the second half of the 19th century, but declined during the 20th Century, in part due to competition from other building materials. The slate industry continues today, but on a much reduced scale.