Community · Wiltshire-wide
Bradford on Avon celebrates decade since return of historic Iron Duke machine
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The first Iron Duke Festival has honoured Bradford on Avon's rich industrial past, marking the decade since the iconic rubber-rolling machine returned to the town.
Residents and visitors gathered recently to celebrate the unique industrial heritage of Bradford on Avon during the town's inaugural Iron Duke Festival. The event served as a milestone, marking the decade since the return of the historic Iron Duke, a 16-tonne rubber-rolling calendering machine that once sat at the heart of the town's economic recovery.
Held in the grounds of The Hall Estate, the Jacobean home of Stephen Moulton, the festival provided a backdrop to explore the history of the town as the original Rubber Town. Stephen Moulton founded England's first rubber mill in 1848, repurposing deserted woollen mills along the river to establish a new industry that supported the Crimean War effort and later the railway and automotive sectors.
The festival programme featured a wide range of local contributors, including the Wiltshire Wailers, Akabella and Sassparella, the Bath City Jubilee Waits, and the Holt Morris Dancers. Storyteller Ali Penny and Bell's Angels also provided entertainment for the crowds, while local brewers Kettlesmith launched a commemorative Iron Duke beer to mark the occasion.
The Iron Duke machine itself, which dates back to the mid-19th century, was returned to the town from storage in Bristol in 2016 and now resides on Kingston Road. Its presence continues to serve as a reminder of the shift from wool to rubber that defined the town's architecture and character during the 19th century.
The celebration highlighted the enduring significance of the machine, which eventually became part of the larger Avon Rubber Company in 1956. For many in the community, the festival was an opportunity to reflect on the industrial ingenuity that prevented the town from falling into the decline experienced by some of its neighbours during the 19th century.
Source: Wiltshire Times · View original