The narrative of Corby is intricately woven with the tale of steel, a vital thread that has shaped the identity and fortunes of this East Northamptonshire town throughout much of the 20th century. From its emergence as a bustling industrial hub to its resilience in the face of economic downturns, Corby’s story is one of constant reinvention, adaptation, and modernization, with the raw materials of its history preserved within the annals of the BFI National Archive and regional collections.
Nestled upon a bed of ironstone, the village of ‘Corbei’ is steeped in ironworks heritage, its origins traced back to pre-Norman conquest times as an ironworks site noted in the Domesday Book. However, it was the industrial endeavors of Lloyd and Lloyds Ltd in 1881 that marked the beginning of a new era. Following a merger with the Scottish A.& J. Stewarts and Menzies company in 1903, the birth of Stewarts & Lloyds Ltd paved the way for the establishment of blast furnace ironworks in Corby in 1910. This marked the genesis of a thriving steel industry that would come to define the town’s identity.
The steelworks thrived, particularly during the Second World War, when Corby’s contribution to the war effort included the manufacture of 1,000 miles of tubing for the PLUTO project. This monumental undertaking, involving the creation of a pipeline stretching from the Isle of Wight to Cherbourg, showcased Corby’s engineering prowess and commitment to the Allied cause.
In the postwar years, the steelworks continued to flourish, buoyed by innovations such as the ‘Great Jib,’ the world’s largest walking dragline excavator, which revolutionized iron ore mining in the region. The population swelled, and Corby was designated a ‘New Town’ in 1950, attracting migrants from far and wide.
The influx of workers, particularly from western Scotland, transformed Corby into a vibrant melting pot of cultures, earning it the moniker of ‘Little Scotland’ in the Midlands. The town’s rich Scottish heritage was reflected in its social fabric, with the establishment of Rangers and Celtic fan clubs, a Robert Burns appreciation society, and a host of cultural events celebrating Scottish traditions.
However, the prosperity of the 1960s gave way to challenges in the 1970s, as recession hit and British Steel announced plans to close the steel manufacturing operations in Corby. The ensuing period of industrial decline and mass redundancies dealt a devastating blow to the town, with unemployment reaching alarming levels and social problems escalating.
Despite the adversity, Corby refused to succumb to despair. The formation of Catalyst Corby in 2001 marked a turning point in the town’s fortunes, ushering in a new era of urban regeneration and investment. Over the past two decades, Corby has undergone a remarkable transformation, with new housing initiatives, town center redevelopment, and the establishment of state-of-the-art sports and cultural amenities.
While steel may no longer dominate the town’s economy as it once did, the spirit of innovation and resilience remains ingrained in Corby’s DNA. Today, as steel tubing continues to roll off the production line, Corby stands as a testament to the power of community, determination, and hope in the face of adversity. And as the town looks towards the future, its steel legacy serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit that defines Corby’s journey.
