The Importance of Silver in Welsh History: Uncovering the Riches of Cardiganshire

Silver has played a significant role in the history of Wales, particularly in the county of Cardiganshire, where some of the richest silver producers were found. The story of silver in Wales begins with the discovery of metal-rich mineral veins by the Romans. However, it was Queen Elizabeth I who oversaw their development as silver mines.

One of the earliest recorded discoveries of silver in Wales was made at Cwmsymlog mine in 1583 by Thomas Smythe, Chief Customs Officer for the Port of London. The mine, located near Goginan village, produced significant amounts of silver, making it one of the most valuable mines in the British Isles.

The company that owned the mine, the Company of Mine Adventurers, was responsible for producing maps to market the silver mines to investors. These maps are now held by the Library at AC-NMW and feature a small open book at the top, signifying that the silver was produced by Thomas Bushell from the Cardiganshire mines on behalf of the Company of Mines Royal.

The significance of silver in Welsh history cannot be overstated. Silver was used to mint coins, which were circulated throughout Britain. The company established a mint nearby at Aberystwyth Castle in 1638, allowing them to produce more coins and increase their profits. King James I and King Charles I both made handsome profits from the mines, producing 7 and 100 tons of silver respectively.

Silver (chemical symbol – Ag, atomic number 47) is one of the original seven metals of alchemy and was represented by the symbol of a crescent moon. Despite its importance in Welsh history, it has never been as valuable as gold. Nevertheless, silver remains an important part of Wales' cultural heritage, and its story continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists today.

To celebrate this fascinating topic, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales will be running a series of monthly blogs throughout the year, each one covering a different chemical element and its significance to Wales. Keep an eye on our website for more information and insights into the world of chemistry in Wales.

Ag chemical element