Publications
Index to Bulletins I-XII, compiled by Margaret Tebbutt, published 1977 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 12, article, pp.14-21) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558] Download PDF
Brambletye Forge revisited, by C. F. and M. Tebbutt, published 1979 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 16, report, pp.20-21) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558] Download PDF
Oldlands Roman Bloomery, by M. and C. F. Tebbutt, published 1982 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 2, article, pp.12-15) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Abstract:This was probably one of the most important of the large scale 'factory type' Roman iron smelting sites of the central Weald. The working area (TQ 475267) was almost completely destroyed, early last century, when the vast slag heaps were used as a source of road-making material. The site lay astride the stream separating Maresfield and Buxted parishes, the working area being in the former and the mining in the latter. On the north-west side of the stream, the working area side, the valley is relatively flat but with some hollows and undulations. On the south-east side, now known as Mill and Furnace Woods, the ground rises rapidly and the Wadhurst Clay is exposed.
Sheffield Forge - New Developments, by C. F. and M. Tebbutt, published 1983 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 3, article, pp.5-8) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Abstract:Sheffield Forge (TQ 404238) seems to have been established as a unit with Sheffield Furnace (TQ 416257) by 1554 (E. Straker, Wealden Iron (1931), 412-14), but by 1598 (E. Straker (ed.), The Buckhurst Terrier. 1597-8 Sussex Rec. Soc. 39 (1933), 72-3), when the furnace had been converted to a corn mill, the forge remained in working order. It was still in use in 1653 but not in 1664. Included with it were 30 acres in adjoining Coleham.
The water system at the forge was an unusual one, although not unique, being paralleled at Kitchenham Forge (TQ 679135). Water from the Ouse was led into an embanked pond artificially constructed in the flood plain of the river, and returned to the main stream by a mile-long channel whose name, the Hammer Ditch, still survives.
The water system at the forge was an unusual one, although not unique, being paralleled at Kitchenham Forge (TQ 679135). Water from the Ouse was led into an embanked pond artificially constructed in the flood plain of the river, and returned to the main stream by a mile-long channel whose name, the Hammer Ditch, still survives.
Cast iron plates from Burwash, by C. F. and M. Tebbutt, published 1984 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 4, article, pp.3-4, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Abstract:In November 1983, after a message from Hastings Museum, we visited Mrs Watson, Poundsford Farm, Burwash (TQ 637225) who had some massive cast iron objects of unknown use. Their shape was puzzling, but we surmised that they must relate to a furnace, forge, or possibly lime kiln. Later we learned that Mr W. Beswick had inspected them some ten years previously but was not certain as to their use.