Cordell Museum
© Torfaen CBC
If you want to really understand how Alexander Cordell worked, then a visit to the Cordell Museum in Blaenavon is a MUST! Here you can see Cordell's desk and typewriter, as well as many other items that used to surround him in his office, and also examples of the manuscripts that he created.
© Blaenau Gwent CBC
Facilities and grading
The Sirhowy Ironworks were first established in 1778. Between 1794 and 1818, they were operated by William Borrow, Rev. Matthew Monkhouse and Richard Fothergill and in 1818 the works were acquired by James Harford of Harford, Partridge and Co. of Ebbw Vale. Sirhowy supplied Ebbw Vale with pig iron which was then worked into wrought iron and later, into steel.
The site shows remains of this early iron-making empire. The furnace to the south is one of the oldest, but, by 1899, it had been converted into a limekiln.
In 1844 there were five furnaces at Sirhowy. A series of innovations followed, the most notable of which was the perfection of hot blast by George Parry of Ebbw Vale in 1850. The 1877 reconstruction of the works replaced two furnaces with one huge free-standing furnace which towered above the existing furnace wall. Even after ironmaking ceased at Sirhowy around 1883 it continued to produce coke for Ebbw Vale until finally closing in 1905.
The site is a scheduled ancient monument of national importance.
Additional information
Free
Can be viewed from the fence at all times - phone to arrange admission.
Stay in Cordell Country
© Blaenau Gwent CBC
There is so much to do in Cordell Country that a day trip can easily turn into a long weekend - and to help you have a relaxing as well as an inspiring break, there are a range of accommodation providers to suit all needs. Take a look at the places to stay option as you explore the routes, or else look at the places to stay section.