Hazledine and Company

Hazledine and Company

Company type	Private
Industry	Ironworks, manufacturing
Founded	1 January 1792 (1792-01-01) in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, England
Founder	John Hazledine, Robert Hazledine, Thomas Hazledine
Defunct	1843 (1843)
Headquarters	Bridgnorth , England, United Kingdom
Products	Castings, steam engines, locomotive (notably Catch Me Who Can)

Hazledine and Company (also spelled Hazeldine and Company) was an ironworks located in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, England, founded circa 1792 by three brothers: John Hazledine (1760–1810), Robert Hazledine (1768–1837), and Thomas Hazledine (1771–1842). Some accounts indicate the initial partnership may have included John Hazledine alongside William Hallen and John Wheeler.

The company

Although the enterprise earned a notable reputation for producing high-quality castings, it encountered financial challenges early in its history; John Hazledine was declared bankrupt in 1797. Nevertheless, operations persisted. Beginning in 1802, Richard Trevithick commissioned multiple steam engines from Hazledine, notably the 1808 locomotive Catch Me Who Can.

In 1807, John Hazledine entered into a partnership with John Urpeth Rastrick, forming Hazeldine and Rastrick, a collaboration marked by difficulties. Following Hazledine’s death in 1810 and Rastrick’s exit in 1817, Rastrick went on to establish Foster, Rastrick and Company with James Foster.

Under Robert Hazledine’s leadership, the firm declared bankruptcy in 1823 but restarted on a reduced scale by 1824, concentrating on serving local demands. Creditors compelled the sale of assets during 1829–30 and again between 1834–35. John Hazledine (Robert’s son) continued working as an ironfounder until his death in 1843, which effectively ended the Hazledine business.

The Hazledine family

William Hazledine (1734–1818), a millwright from Shawbury, Shropshire, fathered four sons—John, William, Robert, and Thomas—who each contributed significantly to the iron industry.

John

Born in 1760, John began an apprenticeship by 1774 and established the ironworks with his brothers around 1792. He passed away in 1810.

William

Born in 1763, William became an influential ironmaster and died in 1840.

Robert

Born in 1768, Robert married in 1794 and fathered John (1796–1843). He died in 1837.

Thomas

Born in 1771, Thomas died in 1842; limited information exists regarding his involvement in the business.