From Ironstone to Iron and Steel
The ironstone first had to be hauled out of the mines, then taken to the ironworks for processing. That was where it was turned into the rails, plates, girders and beams needed to build railways, bridges and ships.
Pig iron potential
The ironstone was turned into ‘pig iron’ at the ironworks. This could be used to make everything from nails to warships.
Pig iron could also be turned into steel. Steel is harder than iron and does not rust so easily, but it was more difficult to make.
Blasting and blowing
Ironstone was made into pig iron by mixing it with coke and limestone. It was heated to over 1,500°C in a blast furnace – that’s as hot as an active volcano!
Steel was made by blowing air through the molten pig iron in an open-hearth furnace. This removed the impurities, making the steel harder than iron.
The Story of Iron and Steel
4 Ships, shells and bridges
1902
The first integrated steelworks is built at Cargo Fleet in Middlesbrough. For the first time in Britain, all the processes – from smelting the iron to finishing the steel – happen in one place.
1914
Middlesbrough’s Dorman Long & Co is one of the biggest steel producers in the world. They make steel for ships, bridges and railways. During World War I they make shells (bomb and bullet casings) for the British Army.
1924
Dorman Long & Co wins the contract to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia. Most of the 53,000 tonnes of steel needed is made at Cleveland Works in Redcar.
1937
Teesside’s bridge-makers are famous around the world. Dorman Long & Co bridges are completed in London, Scandinavia, Africa, Asia and Australia.