Publications
Deans Farm, Warbleton, by W. R. Beswick, published 1976 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 114, note, p.326) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 6476] & The Keep [LIB/500315] & S.A.S. library
Earlsdown, Dallington, by W. R. Beswick, published 1976 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 114, note, p.326) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 6476] & The Keep [LIB/500315] & S.A.S. library
Old Weights and Measures, by Wilfrid Beswick, published 1976 in Sussex Industrial History (No. 7, article, pp.21-22) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/7] & The Keep [LIB/506524] Download PDF
Abstract:Research into past Sussex industries frequently throws up weights and measures which are troublesome to align with modern units. The records of the Sussex iron industry are particularly confusing in this respect. These notes are intended to provide conversion factors where it has been found possible to check them with reasonable accuracy.
Note on Early Iron-Making in Sussex [at Warbleton], by W. R. Beswick, published 1978 in Sussex Industrial History (No. 8, article, pp.23-24) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/8] & The Keep [LIB/506525] Download PDF
Ironmaking Origins and their Early Impact on the English Weald, by W. R. Beswick, published 1979 in Sussex Industrial History (No. 9, article, pp.7-14) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506525] Download PDF
Cobb's Mill, by J. S. F. Blackwell, W. R. Beswick, M. Brunnarius, F. W. Gregory, R. M. Palmer and P. F. Spells, published 1981 in Sussex Industrial History (No. 11, article, pp.2-9) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506525] Download PDF
Abstract:Cobb's Mill at Sayers Green near Hurstpierpoint (TQ 295190) is an excellent example of Victorian millwrighting, the four pairs of stones being driven initially by either water or steam power. The steam plant was later replaced by a gas engine with its own gas producer plant. As the mill only stopped working 15 years ago the plant was in fairly good condition and in July 1979 a working weekend was held by Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society members in order to arrest further deterioration and to survey and record the structure and plant.
The working weekend was most successful; the cog pit was cleaned and greased, the gas engine cleaned and wire brushed and the bright parts coated with a film of protective oil, the gas producer derusted and painted, the mill race cleared and brickwork and weather boarding repainted and replaced. It is hoped in the future with the continuing cooperation of the enthusiastic owners of the mill, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. F. Jackson, that it can be restored to working order.
The working weekend was most successful; the cog pit was cleaned and greased, the gas engine cleaned and wire brushed and the bright parts coated with a film of protective oil, the gas producer derusted and painted, the mill race cleared and brickwork and weather boarding repainted and replaced. It is hoped in the future with the continuing cooperation of the enthusiastic owners of the mill, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. F. Jackson, that it can be restored to working order.
The Penhurst-Ashburnham Leat, by W. R. Beswick and C. C. Ennever, published 1981 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 1, article, pp.4-7) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Abstract:It has always been known locally that a leat existed between the Ash Bourne stream at Penhurst and the Ashburnham Furnace site. Any relevant documents appear to have been lost, so it is expedient to record this unique feat of engineering.
The route of the leat has been found from those parts which are still visible, time and agricultural needs having taken their toll. Its rediscovery was assisted by the fact that it follows the 100ft contour line between its origin at Penhurst and its termination at Ashburnham, a distance of approximately 5000 yards. The leat would have been dug out of mainly clay soil to an approximate depth of 4ft 6in., with a variable top width of up to 8ft, probably less in many places.
The route of the leat has been found from those parts which are still visible, time and agricultural needs having taken their toll. Its rediscovery was assisted by the fact that it follows the 100ft contour line between its origin at Penhurst and its termination at Ashburnham, a distance of approximately 5000 yards. The leat would have been dug out of mainly clay soil to an approximate depth of 4ft 6in., with a variable top width of up to 8ft, probably less in many places.
Ashburnham Blast Furnace: A Definitive Date for its Closure, by W. R. Beswick, P. J. Broomhall and J. D. Bickersteth, published 1984 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 122, historical note, pp.226-227) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 9140] & The Keep [LIB/500309] & S.A.S. library
The Ashburnham Limeworks at Glaziers Forge, Burwash, by W. R. Beswick, published 1985 in Sussex Industrial History (issue No. 15, article, pp.18-21) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/15] & The Keep [LIB/506525] Download PDF
Abstract:The limeworks of the Ashburnham estates were important during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, not only as a source of family revenue but as a supply of lime to the surrounding Weald. At this time, the iron smelting industry was beginning to phase itself out so that wood fuel for such operations as this, would once more become available and at an economic price. It therefore made good sense to exploit the limestone of the Purbeck bed which ran in a north-westerly direction, across part of the estate from Orchard Wood near Battle, to Poundsford Farm in Burwash Parish.
Pipe-like Objects from Bloomery Sites, by W. R. Beswick, published 1991 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 129, archaeological note, pp.246-249) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 11694] & The Keep [LIB/500295] & S.A.S. library
Estate Buildings at Brook House, by Pat Bracher, Ron Martin and W. R. Beswick, published 1993 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 23, article, pp.32-37, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506527] Download PDF
Abstract:Brook House is a substantial mansion largely built during the last quarter of the nineteenth century by the Clarke family. The following articles outline the history of the family and the business that they operated. This is followed by detailed surveys of two notable estate buildings, a game larder and a gas house. To conclude there is a description of an acetylene gas producing plant formerly at Horam Church Hall which would have been similar to the one at Brook House which has not survived.
The Excavation of a First-Century Ironworks at Turners Green, Sussex, 1968-70, by Wilfrid Beswick, published 2003 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 23, article, pp.6-21, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506570] Download PDF
Abstract:Remains of ironmaking include a complete works with five domed bloomery furnaces of unusual design and a stone-built sill supporting sections for both bloom refining and smith's work. Traces exist of three outlying furnaces and an ore-roasting site. C14 determination of the charcoal fuel provides a date within the first half of the first century AD which is consistent with the type of furnace. The operation is thought to span a period from before to after the Claudian conquest.