Neath Abbey Ironworks, Neath Port Talbot
Details
Accessibility
"The site is flat, but uneven and rough. There may be difficulties for wheelchair users but it is accessible."
Brief description
"The venue comprises the remains of an ironworks dating to the 18-19th century. It was founded around 1795 by the Quaker firm Fox, Price and Taylor. What survives are the two 19th century blast furnaces with tuyere housings and one broken tuyere pipe; the charging platform (which is bisected by a modern road); fore hearth; tapping hole and reinforcing cast iron lintels; a fitting shop; waterwheel pit and the original works buildings used for motor engineering. The ironworks closed in 1885 or 1886.
The venue is of national importance for its potential to enhance and illustrate our knowledge and understanding of the development of the iron industry. An ironworks may be part of a larger industrial complex and their importance can further enhanced by their group value."
"Neath Abbey Ironworks is a site of world importance, being unique in producing iron in its huge blast furnaces and, at the same time, being one of the greatest engineering concerns in Great Britain, making railway locomotives, marine engines, iron ships and stationary steam engines.
These products powered the Industrial Revolution, and made Wales the first industrial society. It was the first place in Wales to be lit by gas, and its plans are registered in the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme.
The site possesses two of the largest masonry blast furnaces built.
The Friends of Neath Abbey Iron Company have recently had funding for information boards explaining the heritage and natural history of the site. See two superb 18th century blast furnaces - built into a cliff for ease of charging, Ty Mawr - the 1801 ironmaster's house, and the engine manufactory where numerous steam locomotives were constructed. Full details of these buildings are on the information boards."
Our photos show the venue during an Open Doors event in September 2021.
Neath Abbey Ironworks, New Road, Neath Abbey, Neath, SA10 7NH
wernddu@tiscali.co.uk (The Friends of Neath Abbey Iron Company, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5106430/contact-information )
Phone
01792 863316 (The Friends of Neath Abbey Iron Company, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5106430/contact-information)
Website
https://ancientmonuments.uk/130714-neath-abbey-ironworks-dyffryn-clydach#.YTz2dZ1KiUk
https://cadw.gov.wales/open-doors-neath-abbey-ironworks
https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofNeathAbbeyIronCompany/
Directions
Please note that this venue is located some distance from the Neath Abbey ruins. "Neath Abbey Ironworks is accessible by the lane to the side of GMF Motor Factors, opposite the Smith’s Arms on New Road, Neath Abbey village, Neath, SA10 7NH on the A4230. There is plenty of free car parking in the area."
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
Transport
"For transport by bus, the following stop near the Ironworks - nos. 4, 34, 38, 155 and 204."
Amenities
Close by are Greggs bakery/takeaway shop, Neath Abbey village, and the Tesco Superstore, Neath Abbey Rd, Neath Abbey village, Neath SA10 7FE
Travel Information
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Location
Nearest Venues
Neath Abbey Village, Neath Port Talbot
29 metres*
GMF motor factors Neath Abbey village
51 metres*
GSF Car Parts, Neath, Neath Port Talbot
64 metres*
Abbey Fish Bar, Neath Abbey, Neath Port Talbot
110 metres*
Abbey Fish Bar, Abbey Neath, Neath Port Talbot
112 metres*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.