Between 1871 and 1914, 188m tons of iron ore were imported into the UK of which 80%, i.e. 150m tons was Spanish in origin. Dowlais became the biggest ironworks in the world and at its peak employed c.9,000 people. Production of Bessemer steel in the northern outcrop area of South Wales reigned supreme until the mid-1890's at which time the open-hearth process became the primary steel production process.

1875 - Sir Henry Bessemer, suffered embarrassment when he attempted to solve the problem of sea-sickness by designing and building a paddle steamship named s.s. Bessemer. The cabins were mounted upon a hydraulically controlled system of gimbals in an attempt to keep the occupants level and comfortable in heavy seas. Despite warnings, he proceeded with the project and it was operated by the London, Chatham and Dover Railway Company.

Apparently, the vessel was almost impossible to steer, and after two attempts to enter harbour, the vessel rammed and destroyed part of the pier at Calais on its 1875 maiden voyage. Of course, the Captain was found to be at fault during the subsequent Board of Trade enquiry into her grounding!