Dowlais Iron Co

Sectors:

  • Extraction Iron ore extraction
  • Basic metals production Iron, steel & related alloys production
  • Transport equipment production Railway track, fittings, etc, production

Notes:

Traced its origins to an iron making and iron ore mining partnership established in 1759 and led by Isaac Wilkinson and Thomas Lewis. John Guest, formerly of Shropshire, was manager in 1767 and by 1781 had a major ownership interest. His son, Thomas, and grandson, (Sir) John, 1785-1852, built the business, now known as Dowlais Iron Co, into the world's largest ironworks. John's wife, Lady Charlotte Guest, later Schreiber, 1812-95, also was involved in the business's management, notably after his death, and in the social welfare of employees. In particular the business made iron / rails for railways. John Guest was sole owner by 1851. Revived by G T Clark in the mid 19th century. 1891 opened East Moors Works at MT.1900 the business, by now well rooted in steel as well as iron, was sold by Guest family to Guest Keen & Co Ltd which in 1902 acquired Nettlefolds Ltd and became Guest Keen & Nettlefolds Ltd (qv). Main works closed 1936 and all activity at Dowlais, when owned by British Steel Corp, ceased in 1987 [2024]

Publications:

Groups: