This thesis presents the results of a three year study into the development of ironworking in central Southern Britain during the pre-Roman Iron Age. Two hundred and seventy-nine iron artifacts from sites have been sampled and examined metallurgically using a Camebax electron microprobe, and a Vickers Hardness tester. An additional 224 samples were collected for comparison. There is an explanation of the sampling method and the forms of analysis employed. The results of the metallurgical examinations were analyzed to determine whether: 1) preparatory blacksmithing techniques were varied according to the value or prestige of the artefact manufactured; 2) cold-working, carburization, and quenching were employed to enhance the functions of particular tools; 3) naturally high carbon or high phosphorus iron alloys were selected for specific purposes; and 4) iron technological expertise was uniformly distributed throughout the central southern region during this period.