Biographies  |  Sir Henry Bessemer  |  Autobiography  |  Chapter 11

Autobiography — Chapter 11 (Part 7 of 7)

The development of this earliest form of plant is shown in Figs. 45 and 46, Plates XVII. and XVIII., and Fig.47, annexed.

Bessemer Plant at Sheffield: Convertor, Ladle and Crane, and Casting Pit

Plan of Bessemer Plant at Sheffield

Ingot Crane; Bessemer Plant at Sheffield

The early experiments at Baxter House were so far successful, as to justify myself and some of my friends in entering into partnership, and erecting in the town of Sheffield, a steel works which still remains in active operation under the style of "Henry Bessemer and Company, Limited." These works were established both for commercial purposes, and also to serve as a pioneer works or school, where the process was for several years exhibited to any iron or steel manufacturers who desired to take a license to work under my patents. All of these were allowed, either personally or by their managers, to see their own iron converted prior to their taking a licence.