News - Following the success of Coal House, Blaenavon Ironworks will remain open for a further month from Friday 16 November. You can also visit the miners cottages in Stack Square.

Visit www.cadw.wales.gov.uk for more information

Blaenavon's industrial history dates to 1782 when three industrialists named Hill, Hopkins and Pratt opened the first coal mine. Their attentions, however, were focused on iron making and in 1789 production started at the North Street Furnaces.

This was to be the first purpose built multi-furnace ironworks in Wales. North Street was on the cutting edge of technology. Charcoal had been replaced by coke and steam generated blast replaced waterpower.

The original forge at Cwmavon was moved in 1817 to Garndyrus and in later years to Forgeside.

In 1836 the Blaenavon Coal and Iron Company was formed with a London Financier, R W Kennard at its head.

In 1856 Henry Bessemer invented the Bessemer Converter enabling steel to be made in large quantities, but only from low phosphoric ores.

Sidney Gilchrist Thomas and his cousin Percy Gilchrist carried out experiments at Blaenavon and in 1878 solved the problem. Their patents were later sold to the American industrialist, Andrew Carnegie.

Thomas died at 35 years of age as a result of his experiments. The following 40 years was a period of prosperity.

However, by 1914, Blaenavon was in decline. Steelworks moved nearer to the sea for obvious reasons and in 1938 the last Blaenavon furnace was dismantled.

Grid Reference: SO251088

For more information, contact:
Tourist Information Centre
Tel. 01495 792615