This historically important, Scheduled Ancient Monument, ironworks site consists of the excavated and semi-restored ruins of a blast furnace situated at the lower end of the Clydach Gorge.
Clydach Ironworks and the core of the associated industrial settlement, evolved in a haphazard manner from the late 18th century.
Clydach Ironworks was excavated and partly restored during the 1980s and is currently the property of the Borough Council.
The works was established here, close to the sources of iron ore, coal and limestone, by 1795 and exploited the recent introduction of coke as fuel.
The blast furnaces at the site remained in production for over 65 years during which time the works were a focal point for much activity in the valley.
By 1841 over 1,350 people (including 133 children under 13) were employed, the majority involved in winning iron ore and coal higher up the valley.
In 1813 the site at Clydach boasted two furnaces, by 1833 this had increased to three with the blast supplied by a Boulton & Watt engine and a 42ft. wheel, while four furnaces were recorded for the first time in 1844.
In 1793 the first furnace at the site was under construction and production at the works started well with 1,660 tons in 1796. After an initial drop, production rose steadily thereafter (2,658 tons in 1816: 6,771 tons in 1830; 10,038 tons in 1840).
Edward Frere and Thomas Cooke with a nominal association with the Kendall family of ironmasters, who lent their name to the undertaking, operated the works, leased from the Duke of Beaufort.
The business, however, was never really successful, the works being up for sale in 1813 and again in 1833. Between 1841 and 1845 the works continued to suffer financial losses, difficulties continued and by the 1850s the works was in decline, the furnaces ceased production in 1861, and despite the works being sold as a 'going concern' three years later and again in 1878, never returned to production.
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