Making Steel c. 1900

Brymbo Steelworks produced its first steel in 1885.  It was the first steelworks to produce steel using the Basic Open Hearth Furnace.  Steel starts its production journey as iron ore ready to be smelted in the blast furnace.

Brymbo’s first steel rolling mill started work in August 1885. One month later the first finished steel was delivered to the Alyn Tinplate Co. in Mold.  The mill did not always run smoothly: in 1886 the throttle jammed causing the engine in the mill to explode killing three men and injuring three others.

How many different jobs you have to do to make steel? Use the cartoons to count the number of jobs?
How many different jobs you have to do to make steel? Use the cartoons to count the number of jobs?


To view a larger version, please click on the picture or the text.

1. Ironmaking

Ironmaking

2. Steelmaking

Steelmaking

3. Tapping the Furnace

Tapping the Furnace

4. Ready to Roll

Ready to Roll

5. The Big Squeeze

The Big Squeeze



20-ton Basic Open Hearth Furnace at Brymbo, c. 1890. © Bersham Heritage Centre, 487.1


Brymbo Steelworks from the south, c. 1890. © Bersham Heritage Centre, 487.1


26” cogging and finishing mill, c. 1890. © Bersham Heritage Centre, 487.1



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