The Iron Industry 1700–1850

Historians of the industrial revolution such as T. S. Ashton and Phyllis Deane, rightly emphasise the ‘key role’ played by the iron industry in the industrialisation of Britain between 1780 and 1850. In 1700 the British iron industry was in the doldrums and facing a number of problems which prevented it from progressing. During the course of the eighteenth century the industry expanded on such a scale that it was able to supply a host of industries and contribute to the export market. The transformation was due to a series of technical improvements in the manufacturing processes (which were rapidly adopted) and the existence of a group of ironmasters not afraid to risk their capital.