He went to school in Alltwen, made his name at the Ynyscedwyn Ironworks, then took his iron-making breakthrough to Pennsylvania. Pupils at the village primary told his story before the plaque was revealed

 

A blue plaque has been unveiled in Alltwen for David Thomas, the ironmaster who went to school in the village and became known as the “Father of the American Iron Industry”.

 

Pupils at Alltwen Primary School gave a presentation and sang songs about his life at a special assembly before the plaque was revealed, Neath Port Talbot Council says.

His work in America earned him the nickname “Papa”, and that is on the plaque too.

From a Wernddu farm to the Ynyscedwyn Ironworks

He was born at Ty-Llwyd Farm in Wernddu, near Pontardawe, in 1794, according to the council.

After school in Alltwen he went to Neath Academy, then served a five-year apprenticeship at Neath Abbey Iron Works.

He spent more than 20 years at the Ynyscedwyn Ironworks in Ystradgynlais. The council says he became one of the leading figures in the British iron industry there.