Brymbo Steel Works, a collection of pictures
ISBN 1-872424-13-9
An illustrated history of the manufacture of iron and steel at Brymbo in Denbighshire. Nearly two centuries have elapsed since the commissioning of Brymbo's Old No 1 iron furnace by John Wilkinson and the last tap of the steel arc furnace so well known as the Big 'D'. During that time, for several generations, sons have followed fathers into the works to make their contribution to the manufacture of Brymbo products which became world renowned for their consistently high quality. During the nineteenth century the works had a rathered chequered history and, in the early 1930s, closed down during the Great Depression only to re-open in 1934. During the Second World War Brymbo supplied the Air Ministry with high quality steel and, on the restoration of peace, was taken over by GKN. The works were nationalised in 1951 and 1969 and denationalised in 1955 and 1974.
The closure of Brymbo, amidst accusations of biased political decision-making by the Thatcher government, was a near death blow to the surrounding area. The author has captured a personal view of the history and atmosphere of the Brymbo Steel Works before the evidence disappeared forever. Today, little remains to remind future generations of a once proud and famed local industry.
60pp, 210 x 200mm, softback, 126 photographs
Author Profile
Ioan D. Jones started work in Brymbo's engineering workshops in 1941 and represented the third generation of his family to be employed at the steel works. After serving half of his apprenticeship, he left to join the RAF, serving as a Flight Engineer in Coastal Command's 224 and 228 Squadrons. After the war, he returned to brymbo to complete his apprenticeship in the electrical department and continue his stidies. He was appointed General electrical Engineer in 1958 and Works Engineer (General Services) in 1971. In 1980 he accepted the position of Works Energy manager in which post he remained until his early retirement in 1986.
