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gMtft»Ml00ta (ftawhrmk THIRD SERIES, No. XXXIV.—APRIL, 1863. SUSSEX IRONMASTERS IN GLAMORGANSHIRE. The early history of the iron-trade in Wales is involved in considerable obscurity; and the information that exists, relating to it, is very limited and unsatisfactory. We, however, possess ample evidence that the Romans, with the penetration that always characterized that enterprizing and energetic people, had made consider¬ able progress, during their occupation of the country, in developing its mineral resources; and even in Glamor¬ ganshire some of their operations in the production of iron may yet be traced. In the year 1752 a considerable deposit of iron cinders was discovered near Miskin1 (which mansion was then possessed by the late W. Bas- sett, Esq.), and conveyed to some of the neighbouring ironworks to be resmelted,—the improved machinery and increased blast of more modern works rendering that measure practicable with considerable advantage! Beneath this bed of cinders were discovered a coin of Antoninus Pius, and some earthenware charged with greyhounds, hares, and other sporting devices, which the workmen unfortunately broke to pieces; but the character of the coin and ware, as well as their position underneath the bed of cinders, conclusively proved that they had been so placed by the Roman iron-makers. 1 Archsoologia, vol. i. 3rd seu., vol. ix. n