⇐ W.I.R.G.: 1st Series Bulletin No. 17, 1980W.I.R.G.: 2nd Series Bulletin No. 2, 1982 ⇒
Wealden Iron Research Group: Second Series Bulletin No. 1, 1981, edited by D. W. Crossley, published 1981 (Wealden Iron Research Group) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Scheduled Ancient Monuments, by E. W. Holden, published 1981 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 1, article, p.2) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
The Vachery Ironworks, by Stanley Smith, published 1981 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 1, article, pp.2-4) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
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.
Sources in the Public Record Office for the History of the Wealden Iron Industry - Part 2, by Sybil M. Jack, published 1981 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 1, article, pp.7-11) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Abstract:Ironworks in lawsuits
Lawsuits are the most likely source of information on the private ownership and use of property in the 16th and 17th centuries, although they are tricky to use except where the judgement can be recovered and matched to the pleadings. The formal proceedings at common law, kept in Latin and according to rules designed for lawyers rather than laymen, may yield valuable material, but they are hard of access, as the contemporary indexes are designed to identify people, not causes.
Lawsuits are the most likely source of information on the private ownership and use of property in the 16th and 17th centuries, although they are tricky to use except where the judgement can be recovered and matched to the pleadings. The formal proceedings at common law, kept in Latin and according to rules designed for lawyers rather than laymen, may yield valuable material, but they are hard of access, as the contemporary indexes are designed to identify people, not causes.
A Metallurgical Site Near King's Standing Farm, Ashdown Forest, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1981 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 1, article, pp.11-14) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Abstract:At the end of July 1980 the course of pipe laying by the Mid-Sussex Water Company was being watched, the section concerned being that running from the SE side of the B2188 road (S of the new Blackhill reservoir) to a point just E of Kings Standing Farm buildings. At the time when this was being examined only the shallow preliminary 'top soiling' trench had been completed. This operation consists of removing the top soil over a 4in-wide strip leaving, in this case, the yellow clay subsoil exposed.
At a point about 115m. N of Kings Standing Farm (TQ 476205) a circular area of burnt clay was noticed, and next to it an oval area of dark loam contrasting with the surrounding yellow subsoil. As it was expected that pipe distribution and laying, involving further trenching, would probably take place over the following few days, an emergency rescue excavation was organised by WIRG field group members.
At a point about 115m. N of Kings Standing Farm (TQ 476205) a circular area of burnt clay was noticed, and next to it an oval area of dark loam contrasting with the surrounding yellow subsoil. As it was expected that pipe distribution and laying, involving further trenching, would probably take place over the following few days, an emergency rescue excavation was organised by WIRG field group members.
Some Extracts from the Sussex Weekly Advertiser, 1772-5, by Jeremy Hodgkinson, published 1981 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 1, article, pp.14-16) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Catsfield Furnace: a new discovery, by John Upton, published 1981 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 1, article, pp.16-17) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Abstract:A 'Furnace Field' is mentioned in a Bexhill Manor document of 1567. The site (TQ 732114) lies on the same stream as, and almost halfway between, Potman's and Buckholt Forges.
Subsequent use of the area was the erection of a corn watermill at TQ 734115.
Wm. Gardner's map of Sussex 1795 shows the watermill pond in water, with the pond covering the furnace site. Remnants of a bay are still visible behind and to the side of the watermill building. Budgen's Map of 1724 shows no sign of either a pond or a mill, whilst the Ordnance map of 1813 again shows no sign of a pond. These map references seem to provide evidence of the dates of the watermill.
Subsequent use of the area was the erection of a corn watermill at TQ 734115.
Wm. Gardner's map of Sussex 1795 shows the watermill pond in water, with the pond covering the furnace site. Remnants of a bay are still visible behind and to the side of the watermill building. Budgen's Map of 1724 shows no sign of either a pond or a mill, whilst the Ordnance map of 1813 again shows no sign of a pond. These map references seem to provide evidence of the dates of the watermill.
Ashdown Forest (Millbrook) Saxon Bloomery, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1981 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 1, article, pp.17-20) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Reference to this important find was made in Bulletin (WIRG Wealden Iron, 1st Series) XVII (1980), p.15, and again in Newsletter 1, p.3, where the archaeomagnetic date of ninth century ad was given. It has now been decided to give it the name 'Millbrook', that being the nearest feature on Ashdown Forest named on Ordnance Survey maps.
Field Group Reports, compiled by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1981 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 1, report, pp.20-23) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Content:Water Powered Sites:
- Knole Park; Ardingly Furnace
- Pashley Furnace, Ticehurst
- Maynards Gate Forge, Rotherfield.
- Ashdown Forest
- Chiddingly
- Heathfield
- Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down.
- Chiddingly
- Heathfield
- Runham Farm, Lenham, Kent.
The Fullers and Carron, by David Butler, published 1981 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 1, article, pp.24-31) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Abstract:After reading a number of articles concerning the Fullers and their ironmaking activities, a visit was made to the East Sussex Record Office to examine the Fuller Letter Book in their keeping.
The purpose of the visit was to find if any additional information was contained in the letters, also to ascertain what had occurred during the last years of gun founding at Heathfield. Among the letters written by Dr. Rose Fuller in 1773 some references were found relating to the Carron Company of Scotland and to the likelihood of new contracts between the Sussex gun founders and the Board of Ordnance.
The purpose of the visit was to find if any additional information was contained in the letters, also to ascertain what had occurred during the last years of gun founding at Heathfield. Among the letters written by Dr. Rose Fuller in 1773 some references were found relating to the Carron Company of Scotland and to the likelihood of new contracts between the Sussex gun founders and the Board of Ordnance.
⇐ W.I.R.G.: 1st Series Bulletin No. 17, 1980W.I.R.G.: 2nd Series Bulletin No. 2, 1982 ⇒