Coalbrookdale Co

Sectors:

  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Architectural metal products manufacture inc windows, gates, rainwater goods, etc
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Cannon, gun & shot founding inc cannon balls
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Hardware & hollowware production
  • Basic metals production Iron, steel & related alloys production
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Metal casting
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Structural metal products manufacture inc prefabricated buildings, bridges, gasholders, etc

Notes:

Established as ironmasters at Coalbrookdale by Abraham Darby [1], 1678-1717, formerly of Bristol Brass Works, who in 1708 leased iron works at Coalbrookdale. The family soon emerged as pioneers in the making of iron using coke leading to a step-change in quality and quantity of production. 1709 developed a means of making high quality iron in a blast furnace using coke rather than charcoal. Made cast iron products including pots and engineering castings. Succeeded by his son Abraham, 1711-63, who produced wrought iron and then by his son, Abraham, 1750-91, whose castings formed the first iron bridge at Ironbridge. Early on made pipes, cylinders for steam engines, iron rails, etc. Also made cannon for warships. Expanded 1753 when built Horsehay Works and later had a further works at Ketley. In 1770s and 1780s Richard Reynolds, 1735-1816, and William Reynolds, 1758-1803, were increasingly important in the affairs of the business and by mid century the Darby family had withdrawn. In decline in early 19th century when focused on foundry work alone and revived through production of ornamental ironwork. c1881 incorporated. 1922 merged with Planet Foundry Co Ltd of Manchester, M Cockburn & Co Ltd of Falkirk and Mcdowall Steven & Co Ltd, also of Falkirk, to form Light Castings Ltd which from 1929 formed a component of Allied Ironfounders Ltd

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