Publications
The Hurst Green Foundry, by A. J. Haselfoot, published 1979 in Sussex Industrial History (No. 9, article, pp.27-30) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506525] Download PDF
Abstract:The firm of Albert Oakley Ltd., at Hurst Green in East Sussex, was one of the last jobbing foundries and general engineering works in the County and has a long history spanning more than 250 years. According to C. W. (Bill) Oakley, the son of Albert Oakley and last surviving member of the family in Hurst Green, the foundry was started in 1704 by G. Huntley who was probably a wheelwright as well as a smith. It may have been called the Regent Foundry originally as this name was found on the back of one of the forges. In 1722 it was owned by John Huntley and in 1364 by Thomas Page, although it was rented to and operated by Thomas Pierson and later by George Pierson, who is described in Pike's Directory for 1886 as 'Iron and brass founder and general smith'.
East Sussex Census 1851 Index: Salehurst (including Robertsbridge & Hurst Green), Bodiam & Wadhurst, by June C. Barnes, published May 1988 (vol. 12, booklet, 80 pp., C. J. Barnes & printed at Battle Instant Print Ltd., ISBN-13: 9781870264075) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 11241] & The Keep [LIB/503433] & East Sussex Libraries
East Sussex Census 1851 Index: Burwash, Ticehurst (inc. Flimwell and Stonegate), Etchingham (inc. Hurst Green), by June C. Barnes, published May 1989 (vol. 11, booklet, 84 pp., C. J. Barnes & printed at Battle Instant Print Ltd., ISBN-10: 1870264118) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 11240] & The Keep [LIB/503433] & East Sussex Libraries
Wartime Hurst Green: A personal record of World War II, by Roderick D. W. D. Macleod, published 1997 (published by the author)
Iridge Furnace, Hurst Green, by J. S. Hodgkinson and R. G. Houghton, published 2000 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 20, article, pp.32-39, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506567] Download PDF
Abstract:The Field Group first visited this site in May 1971, and revisited it in 1975 and 1997. The incentive for the present survey has been the acquisition, by East Sussex Record Office, of a fine map, by Ambrose Cogger, of the Iridge Estate, dated 1637. In that year, the estate was inherited by Robert Wildgoose, from his grandfather, Sir John Wildgoose. The furnace, however, had been built in 1584 by Robert's great-grandfather, John. Of particular interest with regard to the iron industry, the map illustrates an elaborate water management system for the furnace, which invites comparison with the water systems of other furnaces in the Weald. It also draws attention to the importance of recording the features of the landscape in which ironworks are located.