The Crawshay family is known for its significant contributions to the iron and coal industries in 19th-century Wales. The family rose to prominence through the establishment of the Crawshay Ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil, which became one of the largest ironworks in the world during its peak. The most notable figure in the family was William Crawshay II, who expanded the business and played a crucial role in the industrial revolution in South Wales. The family's legacy is also tied to the development of the local community and infrastructure, including the construction of Crawshay's Bridge.