How discovering iron ore changed things - Info sheet

The discovery of iron ore around 800 BC marked a transformative era for the people of Iron Age Britain. The ability to utilise iron significantly altered their way of life, particularly in agriculture. Iron tools made farming more efficient, which in turn facilitated the growth of settlements. This newfound proficiency in ironworking not only improved daily tasks but also had a profound impact on societal structures. The Iron Age communities were organised into clans within tribes, often led by warrior kings. The era was characterised by frequent conflicts, and the advent of iron weaponry made these skirmishes more deadly. Consequently, many people sought refuge in hill forts, which provided a strategic defensive advantage against hostile incursions.

Iron Age blacksmiths were skilled artisans, adept at crafting potent weapons such as swords from iron bars. These craftsmen would heat the iron until it was white-hot, using a charcoal fire, then hammer the metal into the desired shape on an anvil, using tongs and hammers, and finally smooth the edges with metal files. In agriculture, the introduction of 'ards'—ploughs with an iron tip—revolutionised farming, as they were far more effective at breaking through tough soil than the antler and stone tools previously used. Meanwhile, wood turners employed a pole lathe mechanism, which involved a foot pedal and rope system, to rotate wood against an iron knife, creating household items like dishes and bowls. The advancements from the Stone Age to the end of the Iron Age in Britain were dramatic, with the discovery of iron ore and the invention of the wheel standing out as significant milestones that fundamentally changed the course of human development.