Today, wrought iron is considered to be a must-have design feature by many homeowners, but its roots stretch back to the end of the Bronze Age. We take a brief look at iron’s rich history.
The making and working of iron-containing metal began as early as 500 BC in East Asia. This marked the beginning of the Iron Age. It was during this time that iron was primarily used in the manufacture of tools and weapons.
This durable material wouldn’t begin to be used in architectural features until the early Middle Ages. Iron’s refining process would see many changes between the 1200s and 1700s. A new furnace invented in the late 1700s would see sharp increases in iron manufacture throughout Europe.
Changes to the wrought iron manufacturing process continued until 1925 when James Aston would invent a highly efficient process. The commercial production of wrought iron would cease in the 1970s but, thanks to experienced blacksmiths, it continues to be crafted for homeowners wanting timeless elegance and legendary durability.
Iron’s long history and the fact that it’s still in demand today speaks volumes about its quality. For more information about iron’s history, check out this infographic from Universal Iron Doors.
