Bonawe Iron Furnace, Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom

The most complete charcoal-fuelled ironworks in Britain, Bonawe was founded in 1753 by Cumbrian iron masters who were attracted by the industrial potential of Argyll’s woodlands. Bonawe Iron Furnace is situated in a spectacular setting at the head of Loch Etive which extends up towards the dramatic Glen Coe.

At its height the furnace produced up to 700 tons of pig iron from Cumbrian ore annually which was cast into everything from cannonballs during the Napoleonic War to iron pigs for export and even the first monument erected to Admiral Nelson after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

A detailed and informative exhibition charts the development of the furnace up until its closure in 1876 and explains the chemistry behind iron making. Today visitors can see inside the charcoal sheds – immense, cathedral-like structures – and admire the remarkably complete furnace.

References:

Visit Scotland

Industrial sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Tim Forber (2 years ago)
Really enjoying visiting here. The information is excellent and the buildings have been well preserved. £5 for an adult is a reasonable price.

Iain Thomson (2 years ago)
Well presented site and the layout helped me understand the pig iron process

brenda wan (3 years ago)
Admission Member/Explorer Pass holder: FREE Adult: £5.00 Child aged 5–15: £3.00 Child under 5: FREE Concession: £4.00 Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Concession price: this applies if you can show proof that you’re aged 60+ or unemployed. Admission prices are subject to change.

Drew Fountain (3 years ago)
Small and effective site dedicated to industrial history - it's well preserved and meticulously documented. A historic treat nestled quietly off the main road, but well worth a visit.

John Inglis (3 years ago)
Good historical monument. It is well kept and the information displays are excellent. Surrounding area is beautiful.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Maciek Lulko

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