Winding Wheel - South Wales Mining Museum - Afan Argoed - Wales.
N 51° 38.527 W 003° 42.320
30U E 451193 N 5721470
The machine on display is the Iconic pit head feature of any deep mine, the 'sheave wheel' (its correct name). The South Wales Miners' Museum is one of the many attractions to be found at The Afan Argoed Country Park, Wales.
Waymark Code: WMGYFK
Location: South Wales, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 04/24/2013
Views: 4
This outdoor machinery display the 'Sheave Wheel' (often called the winding wheel) and some of its associated equipment is located on a footpath from the Country park & Mining Museum public car park. So there is no entrance fee to pay,
but for a few pounds the mining museum is well worth a visit.
Web site showing this wheel in place: (
visit link)
Text from information plaque:
"This pit head sheave wheel was used at St Johns colliery Maesteg, until the colliery closed in 1985. It was then donated to the Welsh Miners Museum by the National Coal Board.
The sheave wheel is placed as a symbol to the centuries of coal mining
that has taken place in Wales."
"South Wales Mining Museum.The first in Wales. Award winning from 1976. It's located in the Afan Valley only six miles from the town of Port Talbot, among beautiful hills where men once tunnelled for coal. They hacked away to fill the trams hauled by horses to daylight. Then full trucks were pulled by engines to the docks to load ships which had brought the timber in to hold up the roof above the men's heads, to resist the remorseless squeeze and crush of the undermined earth. There were other dangers too: dust, gas, explosions and flooding. Get the feel of it in our simulated gallery. Visit the blacksmith's shop. Think of the struggle - and the one for fair play - over a cup of tea in the cafe. You'll be welcomed!" Text Source: (
visit link)
Street Address:
South Wales Miners' Museum,
Afan Forest Park,
Cynonville,
Port Talbot
SA13 3HG
Hours of Operation:
Summer,
Easter-October
Open daily
10am - 4pm