Ty Mawr and Nantyglo ironworks

Picture from ‘Portraits of the Past’/Chris Barber and Michael Blackmore/1996 Blorenge Books/

ISBN 1 872730 05 1

Built in 1826 on the site of an earlier house, the mansion itself was built on made-up ground and it provided the Baileys with a splendid southerly view while being sheltered from the sounds and smells of the works. The estate was over 5000 acres, which included the Ironworks.  The years 1831 and 1832 were a particularly bad time in Nantyglo. With general depression in the iron industry the workers were prepared to riot and on at least five occasions the Redcoats were brought in  and billeted in the top section of the nearby farm buildings. 

Because of  the appalling social and working conditions of the workers, the Baileys feared for their safety and as there had been a number of riots at Nantyglo, especially  in 1816, they had round towers built and  stocked with provisions. There are many unusual construction details, including an iron door.  After the death of Crawshay in 1870, the Round Tower became residential, with inhabitants until just before 1945. 

While the house was occupied by a series of managers.  It was destroyed during the Second World War. 

Development of the Nantyglo Ironworks

1795   First ironworks opened by Harford Hill & Co

1796   Works closed due to differences between the partners

1802  Works purchased by Joseph Harrison and re-opened.

1803   Works closed due to lack of capital

1811   Joseph Bailey and Matthew Wayne purchase the works for £8,000

1816  Construction of the tow Round Towers by Joseph Bailey

1820   Matthew Wayne leaves the partnership and goes to Aberdare where he establishes Gadlys Furnace.

1822   A combination of workers at Nantyglo led by Josiah Evans and Harry Lewis defeat the local militia and reinforcements are called in to subdue the riots.  Scots Greys were billeted above the stables of Ty Mawr for two weeks.

The Bailey Brothers purchase the surrounding land Trosnant House, which had been built by Richard Harford about 1797.

1825   Bailey’s Tramway is built between Govilon and Brynmawr

New furnaces and forge erected.

The “Black Band” is discovered

1830    Seven furnaces now operate at Nantyglo

 Joseph Bailey retires to Glan Usk estate and enters politics.

1833    New plate mill is built

1844    Lion Mill is opened and Nantyglo Ironworks is now on of the largest in the world

1850    Crawshay Bailey retires to Llanfoist and also turns to politics. His nephews Richard and Henry now run the works.

1871    Nantyglo Ironworks is sold to the Nantyglo and Blaina Ironworks Company.

1872    Death of Crawshay Bailey, leaving one son and heir, Crawshay Bailey II