Pontypool prospering in the 18th Century

Irongates at Pontypool serve as a reminder of Pontypool's history as an ironmaking town

17th and 18th Century

The works at Pontypool became the cradle of Welsh Industry and influenced industry abroad. During the 1640s the first ironworks in the American colonies were founded using equipment and personnel exported from Pontypool. Because of this industrial development 18th Century Pontypool was one of the largest and most important towns in Wales. It became the home of one of the first printing presses in Wales (established in 1740) and despite the dust produced by the neighbouring forges the town had an air of prosperity about it. There were several impressive houses and a number of fine shops along its two main streets. A market house had been built in 1731, with its upper floor used as an Assembly Room.

Other tutorials