Craig yr Undeb, located in Brynrefail, Caernarfon, is a significant rock situated by the old road on the shore of Llyn Padarn. Translated as the 'Rock of the Union,' it holds historical importance as a public meeting place for quarrymen and others during the Victorian era. This meeting point gained its name due to its association with the formation of trade unions, which was a challenge for quarry owners and industrialists at the time.
In 1874, the North Wales Quarrymen's Union was established, representing a breakthrough for quarry workers. Although quarries prohibited union meetings and fundraising, gatherings could still be held elsewhere, including chapels and public spaces like Craig yr Undeb. The establishment of this union is believed to have taken place during a meeting in Caernarfon, with celebrations happening at Craig yr Undeb simultaneously, according to contemporary press accounts.
During the strike by Dinorwig quarrymen from 1885-1886, meetings were organised at Craig yr Undeb. One particularly notable gathering in February 1886 drew an estimated crowd of 6,000 individuals. These meetings were not limited to local disputes, but also included discussions related to other quarries, such as Penrhyn slate quarry in Bethesda. The fact that Lord Newborough, the landowner of Craig yr Undeb, was a Liberal, adds an interesting political dimension to these discussions.
Lord Newborough also owned Glynrhonwy quarry in Llanberis, while both the Dinorwig and Penrhyn quarries were owned by staunch Conservatives.
Apart from quarrying matters, the community at times used Craig yr Undeb for discussing unrelated topics. For instance, on a rainy afternoon in October 1876, workers from Dinorwig and Glynrhonwy quarries assembled here to condemn the Ottoman Empire's methods of quelling a rebellion in Bulgaria. Prominent figures, such as ministers of religion, schoolteachers, and a union official, addressed the crowd during this event.
The road passing Craig yr Undeb served as the main route between Llanberis and Caernarfon until the early 1980s, when the current A4086 road was constructed in conjunction with the Dinorwig Power Station. Today, this road forms part of the Ln Las Peris cycling and walking route, attracting enthusiasts looking to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Craig yr Undeb is a site rich with historical significance, offering a glimpse into the lives and struggles of Victorian quarrymen, their efforts to create unions, and the broader societal discussions that took place in this renowned location.