Anaheim Wrought Iron History

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A Brief Look at the History of Wrought Iron

Simply put, wrought iron is a specific type of iron that blacksmiths used as a traditional metal. The word "wrought" originates from the medieval past tense meaning "to work." Basically, wrought iron literally means "worked iron."


Wrought iron is categorized into two types:

Puddled Iron: Used since the beginning of the industrial era, this type of wrought iron is made from cast iron in an indirect coal fired furnace.

Charcoal Iron: Previously used from the Iron Age to the end of the 18th century, this wrought iron was forged in a charcoal fire.

Wrought iron has been used since the dawn of civilization, with wrought iron door and furniture found during the times of the Romans. During the Middle Ages, iron started to be used in structures to tie masonry arches and domes. Wrought iron then started to be used in tension to guarantee its efficiency during the times of canals and railways due to cast iron being strong only in compression. Demand for higher loads on bridges and other structures rose as time went on, leading designers and architects to create riveted wrought iron beams in sections. By the end of the 19th century, buildings began to be completely framed in wrought iron and steel girder sections. Cast iron then took on an ornamental role.

Many homes and structures in Anaheim and Anaheim Hills to this day continue to install gorgeous wrought iron products to enhance the look of their home, and in many cases, adding fortification to their home's security.