With a renewed enthusiasm for photography and local history, I set out this blog as a record of my experiences with images and narratives. It is my hope that you find something of interest on this site. Please feel free to contact me for more information on any of the posts. You can see a comprehensive list of my blogs at my website :- http://www.davidnurse.co.uk

Kilgetty Ironworks

 

Also known as Stepaside Ironworks, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire

Like many ironworks in Wales, the works at Kilgetty 

did not provide much iron during its 

intermittent operational years.



Visit Date October 2023



Kilgetty Ironworks
Iconic image of Kilgetty Ironworks



Following the successful introduction of anthracite smelting at Ynyscedwyn in 1836, Kilgetty Ironworks were established in 1848-49 by Charles Ranken Vickermann, a London solicitor, to exploit the local anthracite coal and haematite deposits.



The Cast House @ Kilgetty Ironworks
The Cast House.





The ore was obtained largely from levels driven in the cliffs between Saundersfoot and Amroth and transported by the branch line of the Saundersfoot Railway.





The Engine Houses @ Kilgetty Ironworks
The Blowing and winding engine houses





Known then by the name Pembrokeshire Iron and Coal Company by 1853 the works were at a standstill.





The Furnace Walls @ Kilgetty Ironworks
The Furnace Wall




In 1853 Grove Colliery was sunk just above the ironworks to provide fuel (This will be added in a further post), however production of both coal and iron was intermittent until 1859.


 


The Kilns @ Kilgetty Ironworks
Kilns





The site's fortunes continued to be bleak and by 1862 the works were again at a standstill.






The Coke Ovens @ Kilgetty Ironworks
The Coke Ovens





Revived once again in 1863 five further years of poor production resulted in the complex being sold in 1873 to Bonville's Court Coal and Iron Company.





The Coke Ovens @ Kilgetty Ironworks
Internal detail of Coke Ovens





In its final stage, the Iron Works consisted of 2 blast furnaces, blowing engines, coke ovens, workshops and lime kilns, however, no pig iron was produced after 1874 and work ceased in 1877.






Kilgetty Ironworks
Calcining Kilns






The property and plant were auctioned in 1878. Vickermann was the successful (in fact the only) bidder.






Kilgetty Ironworks
Remains of the Smithy



The works were dismantled in 1887-89. The chimney stack above the furnaces was eventually demolished in 1909.



Additional information: Also known as Stepaside Ironworks. Stepaside is a small holiday village and Information signs at Stepaside state that Stepaside got its name when Oliver Cromwell and his army passed through on their way to Pembroke. Cromwell is reported to have asked people in his way to step aside.












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Visit Information: -

Google Reference: -
51.73398913017965, -4.693719186700272

Google Search term:
Kilgetty Ironworks

What Three Words reference: -
///broth.polka.verge

OS Details: -
SN 14087 07355 Altitude:14 m

Additional information.

There is parking here for a a dozen cars or so and the place is easy to visit.
The site is now alongside a Holiday Park

Off the A477 the turning marked for Stepaside, Wisemans bridge and Amroth. Then follow the brown heritage signs for the ironworks.

There are no facilities at the site.






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Bridgend, United Kingdom
A renewed interest in photography and local history.

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