Historical Association Talk: International Merthyr Tydfil: Iron, Royalty and the Mabinogion

This online talk explores Merthyr Tydfil in the first half of the nineteenth century, focusing on the Cyfarthfa and Dowlais ironworks and their role in leading new iron smelting technologies. It looks at how these industries helped produce rails for much of north and eastern Europe and drew visitors from across the continent.

The session also considers the wider cultural and social world around industrial Merthyr Tydfil, including industrial ‘spies’ from Sweden and France, Prussian industrialists, and European royalty. Alongside the industrial story, the talk touches on the Gothic qualities of the landscape and soundscape, and the cultural work associated with iron mistress Lady Charlotte Guest.