Richard Reynolds (ironmaster)

Richard Reynolds (November 1735 – 10 September 1816) was an ironmaster, a partner in the ironworks in Coalbrookdale, Shropshire, at a significant time in the history of iron production.

[1][2] From 1768, when Abraham Darby III took over the management, Reynolds remained associated with the concern, and greatly improved the works in the interests of his workpeople.

[2] By this time the works in the Coalbrookdale area, with associated coal and iron ore mines, were one of the largest iron-making concerns in the country.

Determining to "be his own executor," Reynolds devoted himself to dispensing charity unostentatiously and through private almoners, but on a large scale.

It is believed that he usually gave away at least £10,000 a year, besides giving £10,500 to trustees to invest in lands in Monmouthshire for the benefit of Bristol charities.