Oral History Archive
In 2023–24, we recorded powerful firsthand accounts from people with lived experience of Corby’s steelmaking industry. These stories offer a unique window into the area’s industrial past and the lasting impact it had on the local community.
These brief clips offer just a glimpse, edited moments that capture the spirit, pride, and grit of those who lived through Corby’s steelmaking years. The full stories have been submitted to the East Midlands Oral History Archive, a collaborative project dedicated to preserving and expanding access to oral history across the region.
“Dust, and smoke, and fire, and furnaces!”
Donna
Donna remembers being a young child, watching the sky glow with a fiery hue and seeing her grandfather working at the site.
William
William worked at the site and shares a wide range of memories, reflecting on how the steelworks shaped his life and the town’s history.
“I can remember three or four fatalities when I was there.”
“I was in the steel side when it closed in 1980.”
Ken
Reflecting on his time working at the steel and tube works during his apprenticeship, he recalls the heavy industry, the blast furnaces, and a 30-year career.
Irene
Irene shares her connection to the steelworks, her husband's time working there, and the challenges they faced - especially the difficulties of its closure and how they overcame them.
“It was very traumatic, but it made us all grow as people. I’m a different person now to when the works shut down. ”
“When I arrived, there was so much opportunity to learn different skills. ”
John
John came to Corby from Glasgow in search of work and found a job at the tube works around 1996. The good wages provided a good quality of life, but for him, the best part was the people - the strong community spirit and lasting friendships.
Lola
Born in Corby, Lola recalls the hard work of catering in the canteen, cooking for the workers on-site, and even learning how to wring out a dishcloth. She also shares memories of health and safety practices and the impact of drug addiction in the town.
“The frying pans had 24 sections for eggs! It was just non-stop cooking!”
“The Corby candle was always there as a focal point.”
Sue
Sue shares her thoughts on the loss of the steelworks.
Robert
Robert reflects on his family's journey from Scotland and the impact it had on the town, which became known as "Little Scotland."
“A lot of my family came down from Glasgow in the 70’s and 80’s.”
“When the wind blew in the wrong direction we had to shut the furnaces down. ”
Steve
While examining photos, Steve discusses changes in technology and the working environment. He shares insights into various steel production processes and their evolution over time, reflecting on hazardous industry practices and the implementation of safety measures.
Dougie
Dougie shares personal stories, reflecting on the impact of industrial settlements, the consequences of inadequate safety measures, and a unique way of heating cheese sandwiches at the steelworks.
“I was earning double what I was earning in Scotland.”
“The sulphur sometimes took your breath away.”
Frank
Frank reflects on the camaraderie among workers, the environmental consequences, and the political and economic changes that shaped Corby’s history.
Billy
Billy shares the history of Corby, the rise and fall of its steel industry, and the lasting impact on the town’s economy, identity, and community.
“My Grandad worked in the steel works for 43 years.”