Publications
Possible bloomery site in the upper Rother valley, by John Mew, published 1994 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 14, article, pp.4-5, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506561] Download PDF
Abstract:Pottens Mill (TQ 614242) was formerly called Parsons Mill (1737). It was recorded as a messuage in 1540, and as 'Brailsham' in 1623. The mill itself was demolished at the beginning of the twentieth century, and stood beside a tributary running north to join the river Rother. The present house was rebuilt in 1737, probably on the site of a 15th century hall house, and I am very grateful to David and Barbara Martin for their interest and especially for this information.
The possible bloomery site was first identified by C. S. Cattell in 1970, as being at TQ 6130 2365, 500m to the south of Pottens Mill. The ground rises to the south of the site, to a height of 178m at Tottingworth Park. Earthworks at Tottingworth were considered by both Dawson and Allcroft to have been Iron Age, but recent work by Gardiner would suggest that some parts are no later than medieval. A polished late neolithic flint axe (Norris, curator Sx. Arch. Soc.) was found at Pottens Mill in 1969.
The possible bloomery site was first identified by C. S. Cattell in 1970, as being at TQ 6130 2365, 500m to the south of Pottens Mill. The ground rises to the south of the site, to a height of 178m at Tottingworth Park. Earthworks at Tottingworth were considered by both Dawson and Allcroft to have been Iron Age, but recent work by Gardiner would suggest that some parts are no later than medieval. A polished late neolithic flint axe (Norris, curator Sx. Arch. Soc.) was found at Pottens Mill in 1969.