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The origins of Brymbo Steelworks began in 1792 when John Wilkinson purchased 500 acres of the Brymbo Estate. His initial exploits at Brymbo were with lead smelting. In 1796, with the construction of the (still standing) first blast furnace at Brymbo, his interests turned to iron. The first year’s production from this furnace was treble that of similar furnaces. By the time of Wilkinson’s death in 1804, a second furnace and foundry facilities had been installed at Brymbo.

Following Wilkinson's death, the running of the works passed over to trustees. They do not appear to have been successful as the iron works closed down in 1828.

In 1829 Wilkinson’s son attempted to restart the plant, but he was not successful.

Henry Robertson

John Wilkinson

In 1838, three Scottish gentlemen, Alexander Reid, Sir Darrien MacDougall, and Major Campbell took over the works and commenced iron making. However, by 1841 they were in financial difficulty, and the estate was bought by Robert Roy, one of the original trustees that had been appointed on Wilkinson’s death. Robert Roy obtained financial backing from a number of Scottish bankers, and in 1842 they commissioned a 26 year-old engineer, Henry Robertson, to produce a report on the Brymbo venture. The bankers were impressed with the report and decided to offer Robertson an advance of capital to acquire a share in the venture.

W.H.Derby

Robertson was involved in a number of ventures around the country, not least the laying of various railway lines.

In 1880 he returned to Brymbo, with the plan of putting down a steel plant. The first trials of steel making were undertaken during December 1883. By January 1885 the first steel in the U.K. made using the basic open hearth process was produced at Brymbo. This was the beginning of the steel age at Brymbo, and it was to successfully continue for another 107 years. The Brymbo Steel Company was formed in 1884. During Robinson’s absences, the Derby brothers (W.H. and C.E) were responsible for the running of the steel works. The Robertson and Darby influence at Brymbo may be looked upon as being one of reform, vision, and determination to triumph.

From their efforts, the path had been laid for future years. Unfortunately, today’s approach in general is not as visionary as these early pioneers of industry.