Barrow Steelworks by Stan Henderson and Ken Royall, £14.99
UNTIL its demise in the 1960s, the Haematite Steel Company at Barrow-in-Furness was a significant regional employer and twice a world-leader in steel-making technology.
It was founded in 1859 after extensive haematite deposits were discovered of sufficient size to develop factories for smelting and exporting steel.
The company ceased operations in 1963 when all haematite deposits in the area were exhausted, ultimately sealing the fate of the town's century long iron and steel making industry.
Written by two former workers, this book tells the story of the plant, the people who worked there and the revolutionary processes that brought it success.
Described as a 'labour of love', Barrow Steelworks covers the introduction of the Bessemer process for the production of steel from molten pig-iron in the 1860s and the development of continuous casting in the 1950s.
It also contains many previously unpublished photographs of the buildings, workers and processes.
Mr Henderson, comes from a family of steelworkers, was employed at Barrow Steelworks in 1964 before spending 30 years in the shipbuilding industry.
Mr Royall joined the company in 1947, starting as an instrument technician. He became works photographer in 1957 and eventually instrument and fuel engineer.
Published next month by The History Press. Visit www.thehistorypress.co.uk
ALLAN TUNNINGLEY
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here