Publications
Hothfield Forge, Kent - a new water-powered site, by Tony Singleton, published 2013 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 33, article, pp.32-37, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/507841] Download PDF
Abstract:The earliest suggestion that the construction of some ironworking facility was being contemplated in the Ashford area was in a letter of 1570 from Archbishop Parker to Queen Elizabeth, stating that Sir Richard Sackville had intended, "as I am credibly informed, in that wood (Longbeach, Westwell) . . to erect up certain iron-mills, which plague, if it come into the country, I fear it will breed much grudge and desolation".
Possibly local opposition prevented any further action being taken in the area although Nicholas Tufton, of Hothfield Place (1578-1631), purchased Ewhurst Furnace in 1623 and, on his death, it passed to his son, John (1608-1664). John married Sir Richard's great-great-granddaughter, Margaret, and it is most likely that it was he who made the decision to construct a forge at Hothfield because it is not until the 1650s that there is any documentary evidence of forging there.
Possibly local opposition prevented any further action being taken in the area although Nicholas Tufton, of Hothfield Place (1578-1631), purchased Ewhurst Furnace in 1623 and, on his death, it passed to his son, John (1608-1664). John married Sir Richard's great-great-granddaughter, Margaret, and it is most likely that it was he who made the decision to construct a forge at Hothfield because it is not until the 1650s that there is any documentary evidence of forging there.