A MONUMENT is to be unveiled at the Darkhill Ironworks, near Coleford, to mark the enormous contribution made to iron and steel making by the Mushet family.

David and his son Robert Forester Mushet were brilliant metallurgists who lived and worked in the Forest in the last century. Their experiments led to the production of malleable iron and tungsten steel. In turn these developments allowed the Industrial Revolution to develop and spread throughout the world.

The former ironworks, where so much of the exciting and dangerous experiments took place, are on Forestry Commission land. In partnership with enthusiastic members of the Local History Society the monument has been created overlooking the site.

One of the most important steps undertaken by David Mushet was to manufacture iron for railway lines that would not break under heavy use. The monument is made up of a rail crossing donated by the Dean Forest Railway.

"So many people have worked hard to create this monument and have volunteered time and effort. The rails were brought here by John Maddocks Plant Hire," explains Jeremy Gissop, district forester.

"Today, when you look down on the remnants of the boilers and furnaces that remain, it is difficult to imagine the pioneering work that went on at Darkhill. It is such an important site in national and international terms and we are delighted to be unveiling the monument."

Gloucestershire county archaeologist Jan Wills will unveil the monument this Thursday and following the ceremony, there will be a guided walk led by Keith Webb from the Local History Society.