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The Clydach Ironworks was the most significant ironworks developed in the Cwm Gorge, constructed some time before 1795. This was following the introduction of coke as fuel for blast furnaces in the late 1700s. These ironworks had a great influence on the industrial and social developments of the surrounding area. Due to this, building began on buildings for settling the workers at the end of the 18th century, increasing house production during the 2nd quarter of the 19th century.

The works could be approached over a cast iron bridge, which was known as Smart’s bridge (built in 1824). Production continued up until around 1860, where it was now the main point of activity within the gorge.

The works were associated with the Frere Family (which included Sir Bartle Frere, born in Clydach House I 1815). By the late 19th and early 20th centuries stone quarrying and the manufacture of lime for agricultural and building purposes had supplanted ironworking as the major industry in the gorge.