Backbarrow Ironworks

Established in 1711, it was the first in this part of Cumbria. Using charcoal as its fuel until the 20th century, it kept going even though dwarfed by huge iron and steel works nearby. During its 250 year lifetime the ironworks was extended and rebuilt many times to accommodate new technologies that improved the way it worked and the amount of iron it produced. Evidence of these changes remain, and that is what makes it so special.