Clydach Ironworks |
Clydach Ironworks was established close to sources of iron ore, coal and limestone in 1793. Coal in the form of coke had just been introduced as a fuel for blast furnaces, replacing charcoal which had been used by the Llanelly Furnace. The Ironworks remained in production for about 65years. In 1841 over 1,350 people were employed, two-thirds of whom were winning iron ore and coal higher up the valley. Limestone was also quarried locally for use as a flux in the smelting process. Raw materials and finished iron were transported to and from the Ironworks by a series of railroads, tramroads and inclines. In the picture can be seen the remains of two blast furnaces that produced "grey forge iron"; these were fed from the charging houses above (the large arched house above the right furnace can still be seen). On the far side of the charging house were the coke ovens where coal was burnt to make coke for the furnaces. |