Bibliography - W.I.R.G.: 1st Series Bulletin No. 1, Spring 1969
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Wealden Iron Research Group: First Series Bulletin No. 1, Spring 1969, edited by Henry Cleere and David Crossley, published Spring 1969 (Wealden Iron Research Group) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Excavations: Bardown and Holbean wood, by Henry Cleere, published Spring 1969 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No 1, article, pp.2-4) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Excavation continued at the Bardown Roman industrial site at Wadhurst, from 29 July to 18 August 1968, and for two subsequent weekends.

Excavations: Panningridge, by D. W. Crossley, published Spring 1969 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No 1, article, pp.4-7) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Documents in the De l'Isle and Dudley Collection show that Panningridge (Nat. Grid Ref. TQ 687 175) was built in 1542 for Sir William Sidney to smelt the ores of the Ashburn Valley, mined in the area now known as Pannelridge Wood. Pig iron was carried, probably along the existing hollow way towards Netherfield, to be converted into wrought iron at the finery forge at Robertsbridge. Between 1542 and 1546 this forge was also supplied by a furnace near Robertsbridge, built in 1541, but this fell into disuse during 1546 and Panningridge was the sole supplier until 1563. After 1563 less is known of the furnace; in that year the Sidneys relinquished the lease of the site, and thereafter it was run by William Relfe and Bartholomew Jeffrey, two ironmasters with widespread local interests in the industry. The length of their tenure is not known, and by 1574 the site was in the hands of John Ashburnham, who is also recorded as holding it in 1588. Whether it was still in use at these dates is uncertain, but by 1611 its existence seems to have been no more than a local memory.

Excavations: Chingley, by D. W. Crossley and D. Ashurst, published Spring 1969 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No 1, article, pp.7-9) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

A scheme is under consideration to dam the River Bewl, near Old Forge Farm, Lamberhurst, in order to create a reservoir for the provision of water for the Medway towns. This proposal threatens two ironmaking sites, the late 16th century blast furnace at TQ 684 327 and the 17th century finery forge at TQ 682 335.
Excavations began in August, 1968 with the aid of a grant from the Ministry of Public Building and Works through the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology to attempt the precise location of these sites as a preliminary to full-scale excavation.

Excavations: Beauport Park, by A. G. Brodribb, published Spring 1969 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No 1, article, p.9) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Since a first visit was paid two years ago, much of the limited time spent at Beauport Park has been used in surveying and mapping the whole considerable area of the site. The only visible sign of any working was the remains of the slag heap. Though much of this was removed in the 1870s for roadmaking, the heap is still so big (about 130 yards long) that much of it remains to be excavated. Test trenches have helped to define the whole area, the nearest mine pit, and (with the help of divining rods) the track running to it.

Preliminary survey of the Iron Industry of the Western Weald, by P. J. Ovenden, published Spring 1969 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No 1, article, pp.10-11) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF