Jonathan Roose

Jonathan Roose was the mining supervisor who’s men first rediscovered ore in large quantities on 2nd March 1768. He divided his men up into a number of crews and set each to work digging in an area close to a stream.

The miner who discovered the ore was called Rowland Pugh.  His prize for discovering the rich seam was a bottle of brandy , an annual “Chairing” and the right to live in a rent free cottage for the rest of his life.

Jonathan Roose remained at the mine for many years and was to supervise much of the work under Thomas Williams when the workings in the Great opencast were at there zenith.

He died on 6th February 1815 and his tomb stone can still be seen in the Parish Church at Amlwch.

The tome stone bears the following inscription which describes the work of the man.

Among the throng of congregated dead
Of kindred men who’s spirit hence was spent
Has lived one who’s mind had long to bear
A toilsome task of industry and care

He first yon mountain wondrous riches found
First drew it’s mineral blessing from the ground.
He heard the miners first exhaulting shout
Then toiled for over 50 years to guide it’s treasures out

The curse of time will soon this stone decay
His name his memory will pass away
Yet shall be left some monument behind
The mighty products of his mastermind

Those laboured mines which he fought to drain.
The tearful waters to the vale below
And pillared caverns whence to draw the ore
will long his genius shine
When known his name no more