William Champion's Zinc & Brass Works
William Champion's Zinc and Brass Works was, in the 18th century, probably the largest industrial site in Europe. Interpretation of the site can be seen in the first gallery visitors enter. Here are models of a zinc foundry and workers' housing alongside explanations of the zinc and brass making processes. William Champion invented and patented a method of producing zinc from calamine (zinc bearing ore). His methods enabled him to produce a much higher quality brass than his rivals. He prospered until his patent ran out, then his rivals started to use his processes and he went bankrupt.