Industrial spies

The secret of crucible steel production developed by Benjamin Huntsman (See From blister steel to crucible steel) was so important to the industry that industrial spies tried to infiltrate the factory to steal it. One story about these attempts involves an iron founder called Walker, who had a foundry at Grenoside, on the northern outskirts of Sheffield.

It has been written that Walker disguised himself as a tramp and arrived outside Huntsman's works pretending to be ill. It was a very cold night and snow was falling. Walker pleaded with the workers to let him in so that he could warm himself.

The workmen allowed the beggar to take shelter and sleep in a corner of the workshop. While he pretended to sleep, Walker watched all the operations of the crucible steel process. He discovered that part of the secret was in the flux. He saw the workmen break up some old green bottles, which were then put in the crucibles on top of the steel.

About three months after this cold night, it is claimed that Walker's foundry in Grenoside was also making crucible steel.

With thanks to the Tilt Hammer website Time Works Project: www.tilthammer.com/timeworks/

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