When Was Wrought Iron Invented? The History Explained

Have you ever thought about how the discovery of wrought iron changed olden day crafting? The history of wrought iron is full of interesting moments. Wrought iron is unlike cast iron because it has less than 0.05% carbon, while cast iron has between 2.1% to 4.5%¹. It’s mostly made of iron with a small part being fibrous slag inclusions¹.

Wrought iron’s start was in Asia Minor during the 2nd millennium BC. It slowly replaced bronze². By the 3rd century BC, people were already using it for tools and weapons in places like China, India, and the Mediterranean². Yet, it wasn’t until the 19th century that it became famous for construction because it’s very strong. The Bessemer process was a big step forward, leading to steel becoming more popular than wrought iron. But, wrought iron had left its mark by then².

Key Takeaways

• Wrought iron typically contains less than 0.05% carbon, unlike cast iron which contains 2.1% to 4.5% carbon¹.
• It consists of roughly 99.4% iron by mass, with up to 2% weight of fibrous slag inclusions¹.
• The use of wrought iron began replacing bronze in Asia Minor during the 2nd millennium BC².
• By the 3rd century BC, wrought iron tools and weapons were used in China, India, and the Mediterranean².
• Wrought iron saw extensive use in building construction during the 19th century due to its strength in tension².

The Early History of Ironworking

The story of ironworking starts around 4000 BC. It marks a key point in our journey for better technology. The Hittites were the first to make weapons and find ways to get iron ore³. Their efforts spread the knowledge of ironworking far and wide over time.

The Bloomery Process

The bloomery process allowed people to smelt iron directly from ore. This was done using charcoal. People in Mesopotamia and Egypt especially excelled in early ironwork. The Hittites were early experts in smelting iron in this way from 2000 to 1200 BCE⁴. The knowledge of iron’s use spread to Europe by 600 BC because of this process³.

Ancient Chinese Ironworks

China made great strides in iron casting. The very first iron statues were cast there in 1024 BCE⁴. They were also the first to create sand molds for casting, which improved the products⁴. In the 1st century BCE, they started using blast furnaces, making their work more efficient⁴.

By the 6th century AD, the Chinese were using cast iron in buildings. This showed how well they understood metallurgy. It also paved the way for iron use in Asia and other places.

Transition to Wrought Iron

Moving to wrought iron was a big change in how iron was made. This shift happened around 1000 BC, from the Hittites to Greece, and then to Europe by 600 BC³. By the 16th century, ironwork had become very detailed and beautiful, mainly in the Baroque and Rococo styles³.

By the 19th century, wrought iron was slowly pushed out by cast iron, mainly because of cost. But, wrought iron’s influence on art, engineering, and architecture was deep and lasting.

The Use of Cast Iron Before Wrought Iron

The story of iron goes back many years. Cast iron started to shine long before wrought iron was common. This shows how cast iron was vital in ancient times, especially in China. Let’s explore its triumphs and the crucial innovations that paved the way for the future.

The Dominance of Cast Iron in Ancient Times

Cast iron’s journey is quite remarkable, known for its strength in the old days. China was at its forefront around 500 BC, making strong tools and weapons. They even introduced the blast furnace, a turning point in iron making. This happened in the State of Wu, marking a significant step in cast iron history⁵.

Chinese Innovations

China’s metal advancements are key to the start of wrought iron. By the 13th century, the West had learned their methods. This changed how iron was made, opening new possibilities in places like England⁵. The first iron sword, a mix of bronze and iron, was a massive achievement about 4,500 years ago⁵. In the Warring States period, around 475 BC, China’s armies benefited greatly from these new metalworking skills, signaling a remarkable era in their warfare⁵.

When Was Wrought Iron Invented in Europe?

The discovery of wrought iron in Europe is a big deal. It happened in the late 18th century. This was when people first managed to turn cast pig iron into low-carbon wrought iron⁶. Early in the 17th century, they already knew a lot about iron. This knowledge helped them improve the metal⁶.

In Western Europe, a way to make wrought iron harder was invented. They did this by adding carbon. This created cement steel or blister steel by the early 1600s⁷. It was a key step that made wrought iron more popular. Germany and England started making blister steel then, too. This helped spread the use of iron even more⁶.

The change from cast iron to wrought iron also marked big steps in industry. For instance, in 1709, Abraham Darby found a new way to melt iron. He used coke instead of charcoal in England⁷. This new method solved a problem with the lack of wood. It also made making wrought iron easier.

Around 800 B.C.E., Central Europe fully stepped into the Iron Age. They started using iron more than bronze in the Near East then⁷. By 300 B.C.E., China also began using iron as the main metal for tools and weapons⁷. These changes marked iron’s global importance long before its refining as wrought iron in Europe.

By 1860, more than 3000 puddling furnaces were working in Britain. This shows how widely wrought iron was being made and used⁶. The story of wrought iron is closely connected to many advances in making metal. It includes early ways to harden iron, and the use of large furnaces and smelting methods.

The Rise of Wrought Iron in Medieval Times

The medieval era saw big growth in the use of wrought iron. This time wasn’t just about knights or castles. Blacksmiths were key in history’s making. They used new technology like the blast furnace and waterpower. This made making iron faster and better⁸. So, more iron was used in amazing buildings, defenses, and daily tools made by skilled blacksmiths.

Architectural and Defensive Uses

Wrought iron symbolized both strength and beauty back then. It protected and looked good in architecture. Tools made iron from the blast furnace were key in building huge cathedrals and other cool buildings⁹. These structures had fancy ironworks outside, making them even more beautiful.

Blacksmithing and Artisan Craft

Wrought iron and blacksmithing’s story merges in the medieval era. Blacksmiths made tools and weapons but also pretty housewares and farming tools⁸. Water-powered rolling mills in the 16th century helped make forging iron easier⁹. From then on, even peasants could have good farming tools, showing that iron was for everyone⁸.

Blacksmiths also got creative during this time. They made iron into useful or beautiful things. People like Alessandro Mazzucotelli made amazing iron pieces with architects. This showed the world how versatile and elegant iron could be in designs¹⁰. So, the medieval period really points out the lasting influence of wrought iron in buildings and the rich history of blacksmithing.

The Wrought Iron Boom in the Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution brought amazing growth for wrought iron. It quickly became crucial for building our modern world and improving military power. This time spawned key ideas that boosted the need for more wrought iron.

Ironclad Warships

In the 19th century, ironclad warships showed how important wrought iron was. These strong ships were not only durable but also powerful in battle, changing the face of naval warfare. They used the best of industrial ironwork, allowing countries to have stronger navies. The making of these ships boosted the use of wrought iron, making it vital in keeping shores safe.

Railways and Infrastructure

The building of railways during this time caused a big jump in the need for wrought iron. In Britain, iron production exploded from 1700’s 12,000 tons a year to over two million tons by 1850¹¹. This was because of the strong tracks and structures needed. This surge marked the beginning of a new Iron Age by 1825 because of the heavy railway demands¹².

Additionally, iron production in Britain tripled from 1793 to 1815, boosted by the Napoleonic Wars’ military needs¹¹. By the mid-1750s, Abraham Darby II had upped production with Horsehay and Ketley furnaces, making iron cheaper¹².

The demand for wrought iron kept growing as railways spread. For example, Britain’s pig iron production rose from 1.3 million tons in 1840 to 6.7 million tons in 1870, and then 10.4 million tons by 1913¹². These changes highlight how vital wrought iron was for big transportation projects.

Ironclad warships and railways worked together to push the need for wrought iron. They played a huge role in the wrought iron boom, showing how crucial it was for making our world industrially strong and improving key structures during the Industrial Revolution.

When Was Wrought Iron Invented?

Discovering when wrought iron was invented is a journey filled with human brilliance and advances in metallurgy. It started when the ancient Hittites found iron around 1500 BCE, marking the start of the Iron Age¹³. By 400 CE, wrought iron was being used for beautiful decorations in buildings¹³.

The invention of the puddling furnace in 1784 was a big step for wrought iron. It reached its peak in use during the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain¹⁴. During the 1860s, its demand soared because of ironclad warships and the need for railway materials¹⁴. This period also saw Jamaican workers improve how low-quality iron was processed, which was a key innovation for wrought iron¹⁵.

The years 1887 to 1889 were when the Eiffel Tower was built in France, highlighting the beauty of wrought iron¹³. But, its popularity started to wane once steel and aluminum became more widespread in the 1900s¹³. Wrought iron was largely replaced by mild steel for making items such as railings, gates, and furniture by the 1970s¹⁴.

But, surprisingly, the skill of shaping raw steel by hand remains popular for making wrought iron home items and furniture, now using materials such as mild steel¹⁴. This shows that whether using methods from ancient times or innovations from the Industrial Revolution, wrought iron’s story is one of persistence and creativity.

The Decline of Wrought Iron and the Rise of Steel

In the 19th century, wrought iron started to fade, while steel blossomed with new technology. Back in 1720, British blast furnaces could make only 13 tons of iron every week. But by 1849, this number had jumped to 67 tons each week¹⁶. This change set the stage for steel, showing a big switch in making metals.

The Bessemer process, created in 1854, changed everything. It meant steel could be made cheaper, opening up more uses for it¹⁷. Quality steel became a favorite over wrought iron because it was stronger and lasted longer. By the end of the 1800s, Britain was producing a huge 30 million tonnes of steel every year¹⁷.

The United States was quick to catch on to the steel trend. By 1875, 88% of the steel made in the US was from the Bessemer process¹⁶. This kept growing, leading to more uses of steel like in making rails and enhancing farm work¹⁷.

In contrast, in 1850 Britain only used 2% of its iron to make steel¹⁶. But as steel showed its benefits, this changed fast. In just five years, the US went from producing 69,000 to 2 million tons of steel. This quick growth proved steel was the metal for the future¹⁶.

Steel, with a carbon content between 0.2 and 2 percent, offered an ideal balance between hardness and ductility, making it the material of choice for a wide range of applications¹⁸.

High-strength steel soon became vital for expanding railroads in the 19th century. It was harder and stronger than wrought iron¹⁸. Places like Ispat Inland’s No. 7 in Chicago became powerhouses, making up to 10,000 tons of steel a day¹⁸.

The change from wrought iron to steel was more than just a material shift. It marked a whole new industrial age. This shift meant steel becoming the central part of modern buildings and transportation networks.

Modern Uses of Wrought Iron

Modern wrought iron has many uses that are different from the past. It’s still loved for its beauty and function in decorations and restoration work. This shows how long-lasting and versatile it is.

Decorative Purposes

Wrought iron is great for adding style because it’s easily shaped and very strong¹⁹. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was mainly used for fences, gates, and more. Today, it continues to be a top choice for its classic look, even though it’s mostly a mix of steel and iron now²⁰.

Restoration Projects

Using wrought iron to restore old buildings is key for keeping their original look. Its unique properties help keep these structures beautiful over time¹⁹. Thanks to detailed restoration work, many old buildings still have their original wrought iron features¹⁹. In Europe, true wrought iron is still used for real restoration jobs, even though it’s more expensive. This keeps the history visually true and safe²⁰²¹.

Conclusion

Wrought iron has a long history, dating back to the Iron Age, around 1200 BC to 600 BC²². It started with the Hittites but became more popular in the 16th century. Since then, it has played a big role in our history²². The way it was made changed a lot over time, especially during the Industrial Revolution.

You can see wrought iron’s impact in many places, like Spain’s majestic rejas or France’s detailed fences from the time of King Louis XIV²². Thanks to its composition, it’s both strong and flexible. This makes it good for both pretty things and important structures, like chains and rivets²³.

People still love using wrought iron in modern buildings because it lasts and looks great²². It’s still popular with artists and blacksmiths, too. They make sure it’s used in new and creative ways. Wrought iron keeps linking the past with the future of design and construction.

In short, wrought iron has shaped our history and continues to be important. The changes it’s gone through, from ancient times to now, show its enduring charm. This metal’s story and its future make it a lasting source of inspiration and use.

Source Links

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrought_iron – Wrought iron
2. https://www.britannica.com/technology/wrought-iron – Wrought iron | Properties, Uses & History
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironwork – Ironwork
4. https://calawton.com/iron-casting-history-part-1/ – The history of iron casting part 1 – The C.A. Lawton Co.
5. https://tampasteel.com/history-wrought-iron/ – The History of Wrought Iron – Tampa Steel & Supply
6. https://www.thoughtco.com/steel-history-2340172 – The History of Steel
7. https://learn.saylor.org/mod/book/view.php?id=67247&chapterid=60882 – Steel: History of iron and steelmaking | Saylor Academy
8. https://www.engr.psu.edu/mtah/articles/roots_colonial_iron_technology.htm – Medieval Technology and American History – In-Depth Articles
9. https://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/wroughtiron/wrought2000.htm – Wrought Ironwork
10. https://www.madeinitalyfor.me/en/antica-arte-del-ferro-battuto – The Ancient Art of Wrought Iron
11. https://www.thoughtco.com/iron-in-the-industrial-revolution-1221637 – Iron in the Industrial Revolution
12. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldhistory2/chapter/changes-to-iron-production/ – Changes to Iron Production | History of Western Civilization II
13. https://www.northlandfence.com/wrought-iron-history/ – The History of Wrought Iron Fencing – Northland Fence
14. https://timelesswroughtiron.com/pages/history – History
15. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jul/05/industrial-revolution-iron-method-taken-from-jamaica-briton – Industrial Revolution iron method ‘was taken from Jamaica by Briton’
16. https://www.construction-physics.com/p/the-rise-of-steel-part-ii – The Rise of Steel, Part II
17. https://www.pipecraft.co.uk/blog/industrial-revolution-iron-and-steel/ – Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel | Pipecraft
18. https://wisconsinmetaltech.com/the-incredible-history-of-iron-and-steel/ – The Incredible History of Iron and Steel | An Expert Guide from history to production
19. https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/historic-preservation/historic-preservation-policy-tools/preservation-tools-resources/technical-procedures/wrought-iron-characteristics-uses-and-problems – Wrought Iron: Characteristics, Uses and Problems
20. https://preciseirondoors.com/wrought-iron-doors-throughout-history-to-modern-times/ – Wrought Iron Doors Through History to Modern Times
21. https://www.amazinggates.com/blogs/news/the-history-of-decorative-wrought-iron-fences – The History of Decorative Wrought Iron Fences
22. https://blackbadgedoors.com/blogs/general/the-fascinating-journey-of-wrought-iron-tracing-its-roots-and-evolution – The Fascinating Journey of Wrought Iron: Tracing its Roots and Evolution
23. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/wrought-iron – Wrought Iron – an overview