Knight family, iron masters

Sectors:

  • Basic metals production Iron, steel & related alloys production
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Metal forging, pressing, stamping, rolling, slitting, etc
  • Basic metals production Tinplate production
  • Basic metals production Wire drawing

Notes:

Traced origins in business to Richard Knight, 1659-1745, who developed extensive iron making and forging interests in Forest of Dean, Willey in Shropshire, Stour Valley and Ruabon, north Wales, from late 17th century. Acquired Stour Valley Ironworks from Foley family and for a short time participated in their Ironworks in Partnership. By early 18th century assets were largely based in Stour Valley at Hales, Cookley and Whittington, and at Bringewood and Aston Botterell (Charlcotte Furnace) in Shropshire, where iron and wrought iron were made. Successfully converted from charcoal to coke production. From 1808, trading as John Knight & Co, output focused at Cookley works which made wire, wrought iron and tinplate. This business, in which Knight family came to play a lesser role, was in decline by late 19th century and in 1890s merged with Crowther Brothers to form Knight & Crowther Ltd

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