Report - Cyfarthfa Ironworks - Merthyr Tyfdil - Jul 24

Bikin Glynn · Oct 26, 2024

Cyfarthfa Ironworks

Cyfarthfa Ironworks was one of the largest in the world during its heyday producing vast quantities of rails when Britain was gripped by railway mania. Admiral Nelson is said to have favoured Cyfathfa iron for his cannons, he even visited the works.
The only visible remains today are a row of furnaces and retaining walls.

Portions of the enormous complex that formed the Cyfarthfa works remain intact today, including six of the original blast furnaces. The furnaces at Cyfarthfa are the largest and most complete surviving specimens of their type anywhere.

In 2013, workers building a do-it-yourself store near the site of the old ironworks unearthed a significant portion of the old factory. Found during the excavation were a canal, tram lines and the plant's coking ovens; until the discovery, little was known about how the ironworks prepared its fuel.

The structures were razed shortly after the end of World War I. Archaeologists were given an opportunity to study the artefacts before they were reburied.
The site is now part of the Cyfarthfa Heritage Area and is administered by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. The council has plans for restoration of the ironworks site.

Not a lot here but its a rather photogenic place