Unveiling the Hidden Origins of Britain’s Industrial Revolution: The Jamaican Roots of the Cort Process

In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Jenny Bulstrode, a lecturer in the history of science and technology at University College London (UCL), has brought to light a fascinating twist in the history of the Industrial Revolution. While the Cort process, a pivotal innovation that catapulted Britain into the position of the world’s leading iron exporter during that era, has long been attributed to Henry Cort, new evidence suggests a different origin story. According to Dr. Bulstrode’s research, the roots of this revolutionary method can be traced back to a group of 76 black Jamaican metallurgists who, despite being enslaved, played a key role in developing the technique at an ironworks near Morant Bay.

Historical records indicate that the ironworks in Jamaica, owned by white enslaver John Reeder, was managed and operated by 76 black metallurgists. These individuals, many of whom were trafficked from iron-rich regions in west and central Africa, showcased remarkable skills in iron manufacturing. Despite Reeder’s admission of being “quite ignorant” of the iron manufacturing process, he acknowledged the expertise of these metallurgists, noting that they were “perfect in every branch of the iron manufactory.”

The research sheds light on the names of some of these remarkable workers, including Devonshire, Mingo, Mingo’s son, Friday, Captain Jack, Matt, George, Jemmy, Jackson, Will, Bob, Guy, Kofi, and Kwasi. These individuals, through their proficiency, were able to transform scrap and poor-quality metal into valuable wrought iron.

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Contrary to the established narrative of Henry Cort as the sole innovator behind the Cort process, Dr. Bulstrode’s research suggests that Cort acquired the machinery from the Jamaican foundry, transported it to England, and subsequently patented the technique. This challenges the conventional view and proposes that the innovation was fully developed in Jamaica before being forcibly shut down and shipped to Portsmouth.

The Cort process played a pivotal role in transforming Britain into an economic superpower during the Industrial Revolution. The “iron palaces” that emerged, including iconic structures like the Crystal Palace, Kew Gardens’ Temperate House, and the arches at St Pancras train station, owe their existence to this revolutionary iron production method.

This revelation not only redefines the narrative around the Cort process but also underscores the significant contributions of these black metallurgists to the Industrial Revolution and the making of the modern world. The study challenges historical oversights and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the diverse and often overlooked contributors to major technological advancements.

Dr. Jenny Bulstrode’s research opens a new chapter in the history of the Industrial Revolution, revealing the untold story of the Jamaican metallurgists whose expertise laid the foundation for Britain’s iron dominance. As we reevaluate the contributions of key figures in history, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the diversity of talent that played a crucial role in shaping the world we live in today.

Source: The Guardian. (2023). Industrial Revolution iron method ‘was taken from Jamaica by Briton’

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