Dyfi Furnace, 18th century blast furnace in Ysgubor-y-coed, United Kingdom
Dyfi Furnace is a masonry industrial building made of rubble stone with a slated roof and square chimney, featuring characteristic brick-lined ventilation ports on three sides. The structure preserves all essential features of a smelting operation and shows the craftsmanship of construction methods from that period.
The furnace was built in 1755 and initially used charcoal from nearby forests along with iron ore from northern regions before closing in 1810. The long operating period reflects the economic importance of local iron production during that era.
The site reflects how Welsh communities tapped into local resources and developed specialized industrial skills that shaped their economy. Visitors can see how the building was adapted for different purposes, showing the practical resilience of the local workforce.
The site sits in a rural location with moderate access via local paths, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Since there is limited infrastructure nearby, it helps to check beforehand whether the location is accessible at your planned visit time.
After the smelting operation closed, the building was converted into a sawmill with a large water wheel installed, still visible on the north side. This reuse shows how industrial structures in Wales served multiple functions across generations.
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