Other books and publications: Dud Dudley's Metallum Martis

First printed in 1665, this publication is the author's own description of his production of iron using pit-coal, starting in 1618, and the subsequent ill-fortunes he suffered.

In 1618 Dud Dudley, the natural son of Lord Dudley, left Balliol College, Oxford, at the age of 20 to take over his fathers furnace and forges on Pensnett Chase. He soon claimed to have perfected the use of coal instead of charcoal for the production of Iron, and obtained a Patent from the King in 1620.

However a series of misfortunes prevented Dud Dudley exploiting his discovery, first devastating floods, then jealous competitors and finally the Civil Wars. Most of his works passing into the hands of the Foley family.

"After Iohn Rovenson, Esq. had often failed with his Inventions, and great undertakings, Gombleton, Esq. a Servant of Queen Ann’s, undertook (by Pattent) to perform the Invention of making of Iron with Pit-cole, and Sea-cole; but he being as confident of his Invention as others, did Erect his works at Lambeth, which the Author view’d; and Gumbleton failing, the Learned and Ingenious Doctor Iorden of Batsa, the Authors Acquaintance, and sundry others obtained Pattents for the making of Iron, and melting of Mines with Pit-cole aud Sea-cole, for the preservation of Wood and Timber all which Inventions and endeavours to Effect and Perfect the said. Works, have been by many hereto-fore well known, to have worthily attempted the said Invention, though with fruitless success

Internet edition
1665

People mentioned

• William GOMELDON