The Brymbo Lead Smelter was built in 1792 by John Wilkinson to smelt lead ore from his Minera mines. Fumes from the furnaces were condensed for re-smelting in chambers at the base of the 100ft chimney. Because of its unusual shape, it was known locally as the "Brymbo Bottle". By 1899, it had closed and become a carbon works. Across the road to the west was a colliery.
The remains of the smelthouse are now "lumps and bumps" covered by the trees. The chimney was partly demolished in 1962 to leave only 25ft still standing. There is a doorway at the far side that gives access inside the chimney.