Always Has Been: Chapter 1: Abraham Darby I's Coke Smelting Innovation

In 1709, Abraham Darby I revolutionized metallurgy by successfully using coke instead of charcoal to smelt iron ore at Coalbrookdale, England. This innovation enabled larger-scale and cost-efficient iron production, as coke was cheaper and more available than charcoal. Darby's method laid the groundwork for the expansion of industrial processes and infrastructure, contributing significantly to the Industrial Revolution and the development of Ironbridge Gorge as a pivotal industrial site.