of Cwm Avon (Cwmavon) Ironworks (presumably), Taibach, Glamorgan
Note: This entry may be subject to revision. Some information will be parked here, pro tem. The 1897/1899 OS map here shows three main factories in Cwmavon: the Rio Tinto Copper Works; a steelworks; a tinplate works. The map has the words 'Cwm Avon Works' which may relate to the steelworks and the tinplate works. Rows of small houses appear to have been enveloped by the steel and copper works. The copper works was said to be the largest in the UK[1]. It was owned by the Rio Tinto Co since c.1884. The workforce was reduced in 1902 when the calcining process was undertaken in Sapin rather than at Cwmavon.[2]. The first sod was cut for the steelworks by Mr Danks, general manager, in July 1887 [3].
1825 John Vigurs and Co built tinworks at Cwm Avon
1831 Bar mills and tinplate mills were erected at Cwm Avon; blackplate was produced[4]
John Reynolds erected the extensive ironworks at Cwm Avon.
1835 Erection of Cwm Avon copper works
By 1846 Mr. T. R. Guppy was manager of the Cwm Avon Works of the Governor and Company of Copper Miners in England.
1851 Award at the 1851 Great Exhibition. See details at 1851 Great Exhibition: Reports of the Juries: Class V.
1865 Cwm Avon and Oakwood had 6 blast furnace, one out of service
1877 Mr. James Shaw and some associates acquired the extensive establishment of the Governor and Company of Copper Miners in England, better known as the Cwm Avon Ironworks.
"This famous company was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1691, and went into liquidation in July, 1876, having succumbed to the storm which wrecked so many other concerns engaged in the iron-trade. It is well known that their great works had cost this ancient Corporation over a million and a quarter of money. Mr. Shaw worked this property for some years with remarkable success, and at a later date, formed the property into a limited liability company, which has since gone into liquidation."[5]
1877 Shortly after this the tinplate works were sold, recovering almost all of the money that Mr Shaw had spent in acquiring the company[6]
1880 New rolling mill for tinbar opened. The iron was supplied from two blast furnaces and 16 puddling furnaces.[7]