Light on ancient wonder

New systems show world's biggest man-made prehistoric chamber in its full glory at Great Orme Mines, as Andrew Forgrave reports

- Andrew Forgrave

NEW lighting systems are being installed in the world's largest prehistoric excavated chamber.

For the electrician undertaking the work, it requires a steady nerve and a head for heights.

Chambers and tunnels at Great Orme Mines (GOM), Llandudno, are being transformed ready for the 2026 season. Atmospheric lighting is being added to enhance the details of this extraordinary Bronze Age site.

The work is being undertaken by mines manager Nick Jowett, who happens to be a qualified electrician. As an experienced caver and rope access technician, he was perfect for the job.

To install and check the lights, Nick used a Tyrolean traverse to reach corners of the largest chamber, roughly 50ft high.

A GOM spokesperson said: "This chamber is thought to be the largest prehistoric underground excavation in the world, so you can imagine accessing the lights on the far side of it is extremely challenging.