The Development of Belgian Ironworks in the 19th Century: Case Studies and Reflections on Sources and Historiography

During the 19th century and especially after the Second Industrial Revolution the large number of small ironworks in Belgium evolved to a small number of large companies. The introduction of steam engines, the Bessemer convertor and large machines had provided sufficient power and volume for large-scale production. In Belgium the Walloon provinces with the cities of Liège and Charleroi were the home base for heavy iron industry whereas the Flanders area was far less industrialized, only housing a limited number of foundries and forges.
The Marcellis ironworks in Liège and the Van Aerschot workshop in Herentals are two well-known examples of such companies. Their leaders were clever industrialists who introduced, whether successful or not, small castings, machines, bridges and spans.

ISBN:978-2-7084-0929-3

Jaar van publicatie:2012

Trefwoorden:Belgium, cast iron, construction history, foundries, historical period: 19th-20th centuries, industrialization, Marcellis, trades, building; artisans, Van Aerschot, wrought iron