Blaenau Gwent

33 St Martin's Street, Hereford HR2 7RD; Tel; + 44 (0) 1432 351460 Email: JohnVanLaun.aol.com

CLIENT	Blaenau Gwent Borough Council
YEAR	2004-2005
THE JOB	The ironworks were one of the most important in Wales. They began in 1840 and continued working until 1970 when the works were closed. At their height they were producing 10 tons of iron a day. In 2002 Blaenau Gwent Council decided that they wanted to re-open the site for tourists and small ironworking. They commissioned John van Laun Associates to carry out detailed recording, to produce a guide book and advise throughout the project.


Reconstruction of Sirhowy Ironworks in 1877. Illustration by Michael Blackmore	A Smeatonian atmospheric engine at Beaufort ironworks in the 1770s

Sirhowy Ironworks boundary marker dating to the time the ironworks were taken over by Ebbw Vale