Wilsontown Ironworks
The first Ironworks in Lanarkshire
Established in 1779 near Forth, Scotland. Its story is one of great enterprise, innovation, family disputes, hard work - the story, in fact, of the early industrial era in Scotland.
- Read more about the history of Wilsontown
- Find out about our exciting Ironworks Heritage Project and how we are caring for the Ironworks.
- Visiting Wilsontown today.
Wilsontown short film feature
A short feature film is available on YouTube about the Ironworks and a Walking Theatre event to bring the history of the works to life for visitors.
Wilsontown featured on Radio Scotland's 'Digging Up Your Roots' programme
Ranger Emma Stewart, who helps look after the Wilsontown site, helps Listener David Wilson, who wonders if he is related to the founders of the Wilsontown Ironworks.
- Play or download the Digging Up Your Roots feature on Wilsontown (MP3 4.72Mb)
Contact Us
If you would like further details about Wilsontown Ironworks, or have information you think would tell us something about the works, then please get in touch. Contact Emma Stewart at Forestry Commission Scotland on 01555 660190.
Get in touch with your family history. If it mentions Wilsontown, we can help you find out more about your ancestors.
New Postcards of Wilsontown Ironworks
Many of you will have ancestors that lived and worked at Wilsontown. We produced a special Wilsontown Ironworks postcard to help celebrate the Year of Homecoming.
We have a limited number of pre-paid postcards that can be sent to anywhere in the world - all you have to do to get hold of one is contact us at scottishlowlands@forestry.gsi.gov.uk and share your family history connection with us! Why not send one to friends and family abroad and share the amazing story of Wilsontown with them?
Wilsontown Ironworks Posters for sale
We have a wonderful poster showing the Ironworks in 1808 in all its glory. Compiled from years of research and painted by artist Michael Blackmore, it really brings the site to life. You can view a PDF version of the poster (PDF 516k). Contact our office on 01555 660190 to buy your poster, or pop in to the Forth Post Office at Main St, Forth.
