Publications
Batsford Furnace, 1978, by D. R. Bedwin, published 1979 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 15, report, pp.27-31) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558] Download PDF
Batsford Furnace is one of those mentioned in the 1574 list of Wealden Ironworks. The site lies in a narrow valley between the villages of Cowbeech and Rushlake Green. The bay still exists to a height of about 3m; there is no pond, however, and the stream, known as Furnace Brook, has broken through the south-western end of the bay. Considerable blast furnace slag was present in the area behind the bay, and three 'bears' were visible here, one of them embedded in the bank of the stream.
During the summer of 1978, work began in the valley on the construction of a fish farm. The tree cover was first removed, and large-scale earthmoving undertaken to form a series of dams across the valley. It became clear that any archaeological site in the vicinity was threatened with destruction. This was brought to the notice of the Sussex Archaeological Field Unit by Mr C.F. Tebbutt, and it was decided to excavate the furnace in October and November, 1978.
During the summer of 1978, work began in the valley on the construction of a fish farm. The tree cover was first removed, and large-scale earthmoving undertaken to form a series of dams across the valley. It became clear that any archaeological site in the vicinity was threatened with destruction. This was brought to the notice of the Sussex Archaeological Field Unit by Mr C.F. Tebbutt, and it was decided to excavate the furnace in October and November, 1978.