tained by erecting an engine for creating
the blast. It was considered insufficient, however, for supplying
two furnaces on the blast principle, each of which was 45 feet high,
8 feet diameter at the top, 14 feet diameter at the boshes, and 4
feet 6 inches diameter at the hearth; hence another steam-engine of
80 horse power was erected in 1849, but in consequence of a
depression in the iron trade, and other causes, the two furnaces were
not then worked together. A few years after the decease of Mr.
Montague, in 1847, Mr. James purchased all his interest in the works,
and became the sole lessee until the year 1854, when he purchased of
Mr. Protheroe the fee of the property, together with all the
liabilities of the lease. Since that time the two furnaces have been
constantly worked together, under the superintendence of Mr.
Greenham, one of the proprietors, the firm still continuing as 'the
Forest of Dean Iron Company.'"

"In the year 1851 extensive tinplate works were commenced at Park
End, and 24 houses were built for the workmen, by Messrs. James and
Greenham, at a considerable outlay. These works when completed were
afterwards sold to Messrs. T. and W. Allaway, who enlarged and
improved the same, and are now carried on with much spirit and
success."

The tinworks at Lydney are also in the hands of the above-named firm, and
comprise three forges, mills, and tin-house, producing 1200 boxes of tin
plates a week, with the consumption of from 70 to 80 tons of Cinderford
iron. The Lydney iron-works belonged in early times to the Talbot
family.

At Lydbrook there are the "Upper" and "Lower" works. The latter, or
those nearest the Wye, are said to have belonged originally to the
Foleys, one of whom was elected a free miner in 1754. Mr. Partridge
carried them on for many years in connexion with the furnaces at
Bishopswood, but leased them in 1817 to Mr. Allaway, at which time they
comprised three forges, rolling and bar mills, and tin-house complete,
capable of producing 100 to 150 boxes of tin plates per week. Under the
able management of Mr. Allaway's sons, the works now yield 600 boxes,
sent off by the Wye, the iron used being that from Cinderford, as best
suited for the purpose. The "Upper" works were once farmed for Lord
Gage, but they now belong to Messrs. Russell, who make large quantities
of wire for the electrical telegraph, as