Abraham Darby II

Abraham Darby II was an influential 18th-century engineer and industrialist known for advancing iron production during the Industrial Revolution. Building upon his father’s innovations, he improved methods of smelting iron using coke (a charcoal substitute), which made iron cheaper and of higher quality. This breakthrough revolutionized construction, enabling the creation of stronger bridges, buildings, and machinery. Darby II’s work helped transform the iron industry, supporting rapid industrial growth in Britain and beyond, and his innovations laid important groundwork for modern steel manufacturing.