Ynyscedwyn Ironworks

Ynyscedwyn Ironworks is a former ironworks in Ystradgynlais, a town in Powys, South Wales, not far from Swansea. It earned its place in industrial history as the site where anthracite was successfully used in a blast furnace, a step that marked the start of a new chapter in ironmaking.

What was Ynyscedwyn Ironworks?

It was a sizeable industrial complex in the upper Tawe valley. Iron had been smelted here since the seventeenth century, and over time the works grew into one of the more important ironworks in the region. Today it no longer operates, and Wikidata describes it as a former ironworks in Ystradgynlais.

What is the history of the ironworks?

The first furnaces appeared on the site in the seventeenth century, and for a long time production stayed local in scale. The turning point came in the 1820s, when George Crane took over the works. The new owner expanded production and looked for a way to use the fuel found nearby. The area around Ystradgynlais sits on anthracite deposits, a hard, carbon-rich coal that was difficult to use in a blast furnace.

Crane was the first ironmaster to use anthracite successfully in a blast furnace, in 1837. His works manager David Thomas helped by applying the hot-blast method. This allowed cheap local fuel to replace more expensive alternatives. Crane died in 1846, when the works had seven furnaces.

Why does it matter?

The anthracite method spread well beyond Wales. David Thomas later moved to Pennsylvania, where he started similar production at the Lehigh Crane Iron Company. Many accounts link this to the growth of the American iron industry. Ynyscedwyn is therefore mentioned alongside much larger centres, even though the works itself was modest.

What remains today?

After Crane's death his successors did not develop the works as he had. A tinplate works was later built on the site, opened in 1889 and dismantled in 1946. A few remains of the old buildings survive, including unfinished brick arches and a chimney dating from 1872. This is not a museum with tickets and opening hours, but a place for people who enjoy finding traces of an industrial past.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Ynyscedwyn Ironworks?

In Ystradgynlais in Powys, South Wales, near Swansea. Coordinates: 51.768365, -3.764263.

Who expanded production at the ironworks?

George Crane, who took over the works in the 1820s.

What is the site known for?

The first successful use of anthracite in a blast furnace, in 1837.

Is the ironworks still operating?

No. The works has closed and only fragments of the former structures remain.

Who is the site for?

Fans of the history of technology, industrial archaeology and off-the-beaten-path travel in Wales. It is worth combining a visit with a walk around Ystradgynlais and the surrounding valleys.