Rosebush, Pembrokeshire

Rosebush is a small village in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. It lies at the south of the Preseli Hills, about one mile northwest of the village of Maenclochog.

Amenities

Rosebush has a pub called Tafarn Sinc. This building is in the grounds of the railway station. It has been partially renovated. It was originally a hotel for tourists arriving to the area via the train.

In Rosebush lies another pub and restaurant,probebly the highest in pembrokeshire, catering for those with special diets, called 'The old Post Office'. Originally, it was the house of the owner of the smaller part of the old Rosebush slate quarry. Built in 1872 of faced rosebush slate, it was also a general store where the quarry workers bought supplies. it later became a Victorian post office. form here you can start your walk to the highest point in the hills.

Also in Rosebush there is a cheese manufacturer called Pant Mawr Cheeses, they also have a cheese shop and run the post office on the farm. And a campsite/caravan park with a david belemy gold award for conservation!

Slate quarries

Rosebush slate quarries were in operation in the 19th century, and supplied slate to Westminster Palace whilst it was being re-built. The slate was ferried around the country by the old railway, and some of the slate was then taken to Fishguard to be shipped off to other countries.

The Railway was built because of the very high transportation costs charged by local hauliers. it has a very chequered history and never made much money, and so was owned by several companies and opened and closed many times in its lifetime.

Rosebush slate was not of a very good standard for roofing but made for very good blocks for buildings. A prime example of the qualities of Rosebush slate can be seen in the construction of Rosebush House, now the old Post Office Bistro and Bar, in Rosebush. It was built in 1872 by a cosortium of people who at the time owned the Rosebush Quarries. The front of the building is constructed of fine faced slate block from the quarry in Rosebush itself and has some nice details in the block edging and particularly around the porch. To the side of the building the slates are not nearly so tidy.

Inside the old post office bistro can be found a slate quarry apprentice piece of work, cut to the shape of a Welsh plank for cooking welshcakes, this slate comes from Llangolman and is of a much finer quality (and usually you can get some home made welshcakes too).

External links

• Photos of Rosebush and surrounding area