Wilkinson, Isaac and John

Notes:

The Wilkinson family were leading 18th century ironmasters. Isaac Wilkinson, c1695-1784, was father of John, 1728-1808, and William, 1744-1808, also ironmasters. Worked in many parts of country, especially Cumbria. Here Isaac was an ironfounder at Little Clifton Furnace, Workington from 1720s to 1735 when he moved to Backbarrow Furnace. Was a pioneer in use of coal instead of charcoal and acquired interests in coke using ironworks, becoming connected with, inter alia, Backbarrow Iron Co, Lowwood Co and, from 1753, Bersham Co, near Wrexham; he had a major interest in the latter. Also for long casted under contract for other ironmasters and casted for his own account by 1730s. He worked closely with his son, John, but was frequently in legal dispute with him and other partners. Towards the end of his life he developed other plant at Bristol and South Wales. John Wilkinson had joined his father in partnership in the 1740s and in addition to Bersham he soon developed major ironmaking and casting plant at New Willey, Broseley, Shropshire, and at Bradley, near Bilston, Staffordshire. By mid 1760s he had control of these which were noted for the production of high quality steam engine cylinders and cannon. Also developed important iron forges, initially at Broseley, and had copper and lead mining interests. Developed major ironworks at Brymo, North Wales. Was closely connected with Boulton & Watt and was eventually in dispute with them. At the time of his death he was a leading British businessmen with wide ranging interests and a dominant position in the ironmaking, casting and forging industries