Two hundred years ago, Swansea was one of the wealthiest cities in the country, if not the world. The source of those riches was neither the coal nor the steel recently associated with the area, but copper. The Welsh town was at the forefront of the global copper industry in the 19th century, exporting the metal around the world. Today, remnants of that industry still litter the city, and archaeologists are unearthing new evidence of this once-thriving trade.
The city of Swansea was once a hub of copper mining and smelting, providing a significant portion of the world’s copper in the 19th century. However, the industry declined in the 20th century, and the area became known for its coal and steel production instead. Old assumptions and studies about the area focused on these industries, overlooking the significance of copper mining and smelting.
New studies have brought attention back to the importance of copper to Swansea’s history and economy. Excavations of copper mining sites and analysis of artifacts have provided valuable insights into the technology and labor involved in the copper industry. These discoveries are challenging previous assumptions and highlighting the need to revisit the history of Swansea’s copper industry.
The earliest evidence of copper mining in Swansea dates back to the Bronze Age, with evidence of smelting dating back to the 17th century. However, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that the copper industry began to boom, thanks in large part to the Industrial Revolution. New technologies allowed for greater efficiency in mining and smelting, and Swansea was ideally situated to take advantage of these developments.
Copper was used in a variety of applications, from household items like kettles and pans to shipbuilding and electrical wiring. The demand for the metal was high, and Swansea was ideally situated to supply it. The city’s natural harbor made it easy to export copper to other parts of the world, and the proximity of coal mines and other raw materials made it a prime location for smelting.
Today, archaeologists are unearthing new evidence of Swansea’s copper industry. Excavations at the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks, which operated from 1810 to 1980, have uncovered a wealth of artifacts and structures, including furnaces, slag heaps, and workshops. The site has been turned into a museum, allowing visitors to explore the history of the copper industry in Swansea.
In addition to the Hafod-Morfa site, archaeologists have also uncovered evidence of copper mining and smelting at other locations around Swansea. Excavations at White Rock Copper Works, which operated from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, have revealed remains of furnaces and other structures. At Llangyfelach Copperworks, which operated from the 18th century to the early 20th century, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of mining, smelting, and even a worker’s village.
There were no specific old assumptions about the history of copper mining in Swansea, but early studies focused on the technical aspects of copper production rather than its social and economic impact on the city. These studies described the process of copper smelting and the machinery used, but neglected to examine the human aspect of the industry.
New studies, however, have shed light on the lives of the people who worked in the copper mines and how their labor contributed to the wealth of Swansea. Archaeological excavations have revealed the living conditions of miners and their families, providing insights into their diet, health, and daily lives. Additionally, research has shown that the profits made from copper mining were not evenly distributed, with the majority of the wealth going to a small number of mine owners.
Overall, new studies have provided a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the history of copper mining in Swansea, going beyond the technical aspects of the industry to examine its social and economic impact on the city and its people.
The ongoing excavations and research into Swansea’s copper industry are shedding new light on this once-thriving trade. They are also helping to preserve the history and heritage of a city that was once at the forefront of a global industry. As new technologies and techniques are developed, it is likely that even more discoveries will be made, revealing even more about the wealth of Swansea’s copper industry.
Further excavation and research in the area may shed more light on the history of copper mining in Swansea and its impact on the local economy and society. It could also provide insights into the technological advancements and mining techniques used during that era.
The discovery of the copperworks site highlights the importance of revisiting old assumptions and investigating historical sites with modern techniques to uncover new information and challenge previous beliefs about our past.
In conclusion, the story of Swansea’s copper industry is one of innovation, greed, and environmental degradation. As the city continues to evolve, it is important to acknowledge and learn from its complex past in order to create a sustainable future.
