The Blaenavon Ironworks transformed the steelmaking process as it was the birthplace of the basic steel process developed by Sidney Gilchrist Thomas in 1878. The works date back to 1788 and are one of Europe’s best-preserved 18th century ironworks. Visitors can trace the process of production that changed the industrial landscape of the world from the charging of the furnace with coal, iron ore and limestone to the casting of the molten metal at the bottom. There are also some workers cottages on the site which offer a fascinating insight into life in the Welsh valleys at the height of the Industrial Revolution.