Local Industrial History
The Iron Man of Industry
Local entrepreneur John Wilkinson established his first ironworks at Bersham and is renowned for inventing the cannon-boring machine in the eighteenth century. He then adapted his invention to make cylinders for Boulton and Watt steam engines.
Cartoon of John 'Iron Mad' Wilkinson
Explore the new exhibition with facilitated activities and learn about:
- Why Bersham was a great geographical location for an ironworks
- How cannons were made
- Wilkinson’s new invention
- If he was a good employer
Take a tour of the ironworks to see the archaeology and watch the foundry man and boy highlight the problems Wilkinson faced.
Discover the different jobs need to make the iron products. Make a John Wilkinson token.
Dates: April - July 2009, April - July 2010
Time: 10am or 1pm. (2 hours)
Suitable: Key Stage 2 / Key Stage 3
Venue: Bersham Heritage Centre
Minera Lead Mines
As new mining recruits at Minera, your pupils will meet characters from the past, find out how the engine worked, why it was needed and what life was really like in the lead mine during the Victorian period. Special emphasis on Simon Hughes, a lead miner, based on archive sources.
A 19th century photo of Denbighshire lead miners
A variety of hands-on activities relating to science such as weights, levers, sorting rocks, panning for lead and role playing. Teacher Resource pack available
Dates:April – July 2009, April – July 2010
Time: 10am or 1pm. (2 hour session)
Suitable: Key Stage 2
Venue: Minera Lead Mines
Coal Mining Industry (KS2)
Margaret Tietze
Coal has shaped the landscape and the people of Wrexham and the mining villages to its west. What was it like to be a miner in the 19th century? How did the working practices and lives of the colliers change during the 20th century? Explore this important history through film, witness, historic artefacts, and activities in this special exhibition and school programme.
Look out for more information on forthcoming workshops
Dates: April July 2009, September October 2009
Time: 10am or 1pm. (2 hours)
Suitable: Key Stage 2
Location: Bersham Heritage Centre
Brymbo Steelworks (KS2)
The Brymbo Steel Works Company was formed in 1885 (following the successful introduction of steel making by basic open-hearth furnaces). The steelworks had a massive impact on the village of Brymbo and surrounding communities over the years. This exhibition explains and celebrates this locally important industry and its community.
Look out for more information on forthcoming workshops
Dates: April July 2009
Time: 10am or 1pm. (2 hours)
Suitable: Key Stage 2
Location: Bersham Heritage Centre
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