Bibliography - Industry and work: Forges and Furnaces
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Leonard's Furnace, Brede, by Unknown Author(s), published 1860 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 12, notes & queries, p.270) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2097] & The Keep [LIB/500231] & S.A.S. library   View Online

A Notice of Maresfield Forge in 1608, by W. V. Crake, B.A., published 1912 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 55, article, pp.278-283) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2140] & The Keep [LIB/500273] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Iron Furnaces or Hammers, by A. O. Jennings, published May 1928 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. II no. 2, reply, pp.65-66) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8951] & The Keep [LIB/500204] & S.A.S. library

Iron Furnaces or Hammers, by F. B. S., published November 1928 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. II no. 4, reply, p.129) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8951] & The Keep [LIB/500204] & S.A.S. library

Sussex Furnaces and Forges in 1717, by E. Wyndham Hulme, published February 1929 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. II no. 5, note, pp.148-149) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8951] & The Keep [LIB/500204] & S.A.S. library

Two Sussex Forges, by Barclay Wills, published 1930 in Sussex County Magazine (vol. IV no. 1, article, pp.74-76) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2308][Lib 2309] & The Keep [LIB/500172]

Some Sussex Gun Forges, by R. Thurston Hopkins, published 1930 in Sussex County Magazine (vol. IV no. 12, article, pp.1030-1035) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2308][Lib 2309] & The Keep [LIB/500173]

A Lost Tudor Iron Furnace Found , by Ernest Straker, published August 1937 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. VI no. 7, note, pp.217-218) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 12537][Lib 8863][Lib 8224] & The Keep [LIB/500208] & S.A.S. library

Roman Bloomery Furnaces , by W. Maclean Homan, published November 1937 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. VI no. 8, note, pp.247-248) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 12537][Lib 8863][Lib 8224] & The Keep [LIB/500208] & S.A.S. library

The Iron Furnace and Forge in Rogate, by E. M. Yates, published May 1955 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. XIV nos. 5 & 6, article, pp.82-85) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8232][Lib 2213] & The Keep [LIB/500216] & S.A.S. library

Northiam Glass Furnace, by V. F. M. Oliver, B.A., published November 1955 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. XIV nos. 7 & 8, article, pp.115-116) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8232][Lib 2213] & The Keep [LIB/500216] & S.A.S. library

Glass Furnace Sites, by G. H. Kenyon, published May 1965 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. XVI no. 5, note, pp.168-170) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8234] & The Keep [LIB/500218] & S.A.S. library

Orchard Street kiln, Chichester, by A. Down, published 1971 in Chichester Excavations (vol. 1, article, pp.153-164, ISBN-10: 0850336961 & ISBN-13: 9780850336962) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 5523] & West Sussex Libraries

Excavations 1970: Pippingford 'Steel Forge', Ashdown Forest, by D. W. Crossley, published March 1971 in Sussex Archæological Society Newsletter (no. 2, article, pp.3-4) accessible at: S.A.S. library   Download PDF

Verdley Wood Furnace, by P. J. Ovenden, published Spring 1971 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No 2, article, pp.8-9) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

The site of this furnace, not mentioned by Straker but known to Kenyon is in the NE corner of Verdley Wood (NGR 906 264) at the mouth of a steep-sided, wooded valley.

Chingley Forge and Furnace - Summer 1970, by David Crossley, published Spring 1971 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No 2, article, pp.10-11) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Considerable progress was made with this site, the main furnace structure was cleared down to the level of the bellows area floor, and the major features are now clear.

A Sixteenth-Century Wealden Blast Furnace: A Report on Excavations at Panningridge, Sussex, 1964-1970, by David Crossley, published 1972 in The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology (vol. 6, article, pp.42-68) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/502347]   View Online

The excavation recovered evidence for two periods of iron smelting; there were substantial surviving structures from a blast furnace thought from documentary sources to have produced pig-iron from 1542 until at least 1563 and, superimposed, indications of a later furnace built with major changes in layout at some time after 1563 but abandoned well before 1611. It was possible to compare, in particular, the application of water-power in the two periods and to sample ore and cast iron. The features of the first furnace could be related to references in surviving account books, and thus a yardstick may be offered for future fieldwork on undocumented furnaces of the period.

The Classification of Early Iron-Smelting Furnaces, by H. F. Cleere, published March 1972 in The Antiquaries Journal (vol. 52, article, pp.8-23) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 1862]   View Online

The paper begins by surveying the different types of early iron-smelting furnace, based on a tentative classification proposed by Coghlan in 1956. The ambiguities in this classification are indicated, together with examples of furnaces that do not fall easily into one of its three categories.
On the basis of data derived principally from furnaces of the Early Iron Age and Roman periods from northern Europe, the author proposes a new classification into two main groups, differentiated by their provisions or otherwise for the removal of molten slag during the iron-smelting operation. Each of these groups is further subdivided, according to the shape of the furnace superstructure and/or the method of supplying the air blast.

This article is important for the field-worker in districts where iron was made during the bloomery period. In a new attempt to classify bloomery furnaces the author questions the validity of the division between bowl hearths, domed furnaces and shaft furnaces. He puts the case for a classification depending on the presence or otherwise of facility for tapping molten slag. He divides the non-tapping furnaces between those without a superstructure (bowl furnaces) and those with cones or shafts (typified by the Schlackenklotz found in eastern Europe). Where provision for tapping is present he distinguishes between those with and without bellows, sub-dividing each into shaft furnaces and dome furnaces. While this is a useful suggestion, it does leave open the question why in each of the main divisions there are shafts and domes, and whether the differences in function between the two types of superstructure were sufficiently consistent to be given more attention.
What is particularly valuable is the author's reminder to archaeologists to question assumptions about furnace fragments found in the field. He shows how shaft furnaces, severely damaged either in antiquity or by modern land use, can present the appearance of bowl furnaces. Also he asks how many furnaces could really have operated with induced rather than forced draught. In particular he suggests that a domed furnace with a single wind hole could hardly function without bellows. Having made this point, drawing on the evidence of modern experiments, the author should perhaps have stressed in his diagrams and classification (pp.22-3) that his Type B/2/ii(Slag tapping/Hemispherical natural draught) could only be expected to work with multiple wind holes, a point which emerges in the early part of the article.

A contemporary description of John Brown's gun-founding furnace at Barden, Kent (1646), edited by P. Marshall, Scottish History Society, published Summer 1972 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No 4, article, pp.15-20) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

John Brown was probably the most prominent of the 17th century Wealden gun founders; he held the post of "His Majesty's Founder" in 1640, producing pieces at Brenchley and Horsmonden, as well as at Barden. In the 1660s, the family was to widen its interests still further, working Cowden, Hamsell, and Hawkhurst Furnaces in 1664, and leasing Imbham's Furnace (Surrey) in 1665.

Chingley Furnace, by David Crossley, published 1973 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No 5, article, pp.8-10) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

The furnace, sited at (N.G.R.) TQ 684 327 is known from documentary references to have been in operation in 1565 and 1574, and to have been derelict in 1588. It is doubtful whether it was subsequently rebuilt. It smelted iron ore from the adjacent Furnace Pit Shaw with charcoal from local woodlands. This year's excavation completed work begun in 1969-70, and the site will be flooded when the Bewl Dam is built.

The Use of Bloomery Slag in Blast Furnaces, by David Butler, published 1973 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No 5, article, pp.10-11) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

In the bloomery furnace flux was not normally added to the furnace burden; the latter consisted only of ore and charcoal. However to obtain a bloom of iron it is necessary for the unwanted parts of the ore to be removed in the form of a free running slag. For this purpose iron oxide in the ore acts as a flux, and at the low temperatures prevailing in the bloomery a considerable quantity of the iron oxide content of the ore is required to form a free running slag. The iron oxide so used as a flux is not available for the production of iron and consequently the efficiency of the bloomery process suffers.

Cuckfield Furnaces - a new discovery, by Michael J. Burchall, published Summer 1973 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 6, article, pp.6-7) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

While tracing the descent of the Jenner family of Cuckfield, I came across a Will which indicates the presence of two previously un-noted furnaces. Members of W.I.R.G. will perhaps excuse me for first of all tracing the descent of one of the properties but it may be of future interest in just how long the furnaces were in operation.

Heathfield Furnace and Founders, by Joe Pettitt, published Summer 1973 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 6, note, p.13) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Much is known about the 'New' Furnace at Heathfield, because the Fuller documents have survived in quantity. But where was the 'Old' Furnace? The Lists of 1574 show a William Relfe holding a furnace in Heathfield. Where was it? Some of the Lists indicate that there were other water powered sites in Heathfield held by Sir Richard Baker and by Thomas Stollion. Is there a detective in the area?

Inventory of Sites Visited by W.I.R.G.: Water Powered Sites, published Summer 1973 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 6, report, pp.14-15) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

The granting of the Commission for the New Towns' application to demolish the "barn" at 103 High Street, Crawley, resulted in a survey to record the building, which was thought to contain the core of a Mediaeval house. However, this examination revealed that the timber frame structure was in fact a Moot Hall. Good examples of this type of building are quite rare south of the Thames and this alone was sufficient grounds for preservation. Since it was not possible to leave the building in situ, it was dismantled and transported to the Open Air Museum, Singleton, Chichester, Sussex, where it awaits reconstruction.

Iron Age and Romano-British iron working site in Minepit Wood, Rotherfield, Sussex, by J.H. Money, published 1974 in Historical Metallurgy (vol. 8, no. 1, article, pp.1-19)

Excavations 1974: Pippingford Blast Furnace, by C. F. Tebbutt, published September 1974 in Sussex Archæological Society Newsletter (no. 14, article, p.59) accessible at: S.A.S. library   Download PDF

Cannon-Manufacture at Pippingford, Sussex: The Excavation of Two Iron Furnaces of c. 1717, by David Crossley, published 1975 in The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology (vol. 9, article, pp.1-37) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/502341]   View Online

Two blast furnaces produced iron at Pippingford Park, Sussex (TQ/4503l6) in the early 18th century. At the first to be built (the west furnace) guns were cast; this was excavated in 1974, although its surroundings remain to be explored. A boring mill was sited close to the east furnace, the wheels of the boring carriage being in situ on their tracks. The east furnace was construded during the life of the west site, and the surviving casting beds showed that pig iron had been produced. Robbing of stone had been severe in the case of the east furnace, in contrast to its predecessor, whose rubble core survived 1-1.5 m. in height, and whose gun-casting pit was in good order.

A Wealden Cannon-Boring Bar [at Stream Mill, Chiddingly], by D. S. Butler and C. F. Tebbutt, published 1975 in The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology (vol. 9, article, pp.38-41)   View Online

The Lists of Furnaces and Forges of 1664, by David Crossley, published 1975 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 8, report, pp.2-7) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Straker's table of furnaces and forges in 1653 and 1664, (Wealden Iron, p.61) is derived from documents published by M. A. Lower in Sx. A. C. XVIII (1866) pp.15-16, and J. L. Parsons in Sx. A. C. XXXII (1882) - not XXXI, as cited by Straker - pp.21-23.

Inventory of Sites Visited by W.I.R.G.: Water Powered Sites, published 1975 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 8, report, pp.12-44) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

The Mystery of Withyham or Stonelands Furnace, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1975 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 8, article, p.45) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

A great deal of intensive fieldwork by the writer, following on visits by the Buxted Branch of W.I.R.G., have failed to find any trace of Withyham Furnace. Straker could only surmise that the now existing large lake in Buckhurst Park (TQ 497 348) had covered all relics of the furnace and forge, and refers to a lease of 1676 when he thought that the site had been converted to a corn mill (see Wealden Iron p.253). Lower refers to the Bakers of Stoneland Park (afterwards incorporated into Buckhurst Park) having ironworks powered "by a chain of ponds still existing below the house" (see Sussex Arch. Coll. Vol.2 (1849) p.220).

The Excavation of Ardingly Fulling Mill and Forge 1975-6, by Owen Bedwin, published 1976 in The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology (vol. 10, article, pp.34-64)   View Online

The remains of a sixteenth- and seventeenth-century forge, and an eighteenth-century fulling mill were excavated. The fulling and forging processes were both water-powered. Two water-channels were found, running approximately parallel, about 9 m. apart. The area between the two channels had been the centre of industrial activity on the site. The forge, of which little survived apart from the anvil base and some wooden foundations, had used wheels in both channels, driving the power-hammer and bellows for the hearths, respectively. Fulling, carried out in a simple T-shaped shed, required one wheel only. The site went out of use c.1750.

In 1973 the Mid-Sussex Water Co. gave notice of a plan, later approved, to flood the Shell Brook valley at the site of Ardingly Fulling Mill and Forge, and a rescue excavation was carried out by Dr Owen Bedwin of the Sussex Archaeological Field Unit in advance of the destruction of the site.
Documentary evidence in parish records first refers to the baptism of a child of Robert Potter 'fynar of the hammer' in 1571, and thereafter references go on until 1660. The 1574 list includes Ardingly Forge, as does that of 1664, but it seems to have ceased working by 1717. It seems likely that its source of pig iron was the nearby Strudgate Furnace.
The excavation was not a straightforward one as the fulling mill had been established on the same site, probably in the early 18th century, and was itself likely to have ceased working in the next century. It was clear however that for the forge there were two parallel water channels supplying power, one to the two hearths and one to the hammer, for which the timber (tree-trunk) anvil-base was found. The fulling mill required one channel only, and this had been partly reconstructed during its occupation of the site. Useful comparisons are made with the only other excavated wealden forge site, that at Chingley. (D. W. Crossley, The Bewl Valley Ironworks Kent, Royal Archaeological Institute Monograph (1975) ).
At Chingley one channel supplied power via different wheels for both hammer and chafery hearth, and the other for the finery. At Ardingly both hearths were operated from one channel and the hammer from the other. As at Chingley there was evidence of secondary working, and it appeared that artifacts such as scissors and knives were made at the forge.
The finds were surprisingly numerous, the waterlogged state of much of the site making it favourable for the preservation of leather, and many shoes and parts of shoes were recovered. Clay pipes were also abundant. These are now proving an important dating item in post-Medieval excavations.

Inventory of Sites Visited by W.I.R.G.: Water Powered Sites, published 1976 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 9, report, pp.5-18) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Darvel Furnace: A Note, by W. Phyllis White, published 1976 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 9, article, p.18) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

The note in Bulletin No. 7, p.27, on 1973's exposure of this site was very interesting. The "earlier operation or unknown forge" referred to could perhaps be the remains of "Darfold Furnace", spelt Darvolld and Darvoll in Thomas Glidd's 1568 lease. The early Derefold, in Netherfield Hundred, became Darvel and Darwell, today's Darwell Hole having been Derfould Hole in 1608. The 1574 listing of "j furnace in echingham" possibly led Straker to place "Darfold" at Burgham Farm on the Limden, but the lease makes clear that Sir Robert Tirwhitt's whole extensive property was called Echingham Park and contained both furnace and forge. In spite of correction by the S. R. S., confusion still remains. (Vol.53)

Maresfield Powder Mills, Furnace and Forge, by Joseph Pettitt, published 1976 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 9, article, pp.19-21) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Such is Straker's title in Wealden Iron (1931), p.400. This is at TQ 460 227. In his text, however, he says the Forge was shifted and in his interleaved map shows it halfway up to Maresfield Corn Mill at c.465 331. He uses a Furnace symbol: his practice was to use this for a combined site, as well as for a furnace, but he makes no mention of the shifting of the furnace.

Scarlets Furnace: A Note, by Roger J. Adams, published 1976 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 9, article, p.23) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

The Pippingford Cannon: New Data, by D. W. Crossley, published 1977 in The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology (vol. 11, article, p.106)   View Online

Some New Dating Evidence for Pippingford Furnace, Sussex, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1977 in The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology (vol. 11, article, p.106)   View Online

Further Light on Withyham or Stonelands Furnace, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1977 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 12, report, p.2) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

The Ewhurst/Northiam Furnaces, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1977 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 12, report, p.2) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Whitley Park Furnace, Surrey, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1977 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 12, report, p.3) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Ashburnham Furnace, Penhurst, by David Crossley, published 1977 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 12, report, pp.7-8) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

A Reconstruction of a Gun-casting Blast Furnace, by Roger Adams, published 1977 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 12, article, pp.8-10) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

The Roman crucibles from Chapel Street, by J. Bayley, published 1978 in Chichester Excavations (vol. 3, article, pp.254-255, ISBN-10: 0850332729 & ISBN-13: 9780850332728) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 6611] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries

The Excavation of a Late Sixteenth/Early Seventeenth Century Gun Casting Furnace at Maynard's Gate, Crowborough, East Sussex, by Owen Bedwin, published 1978 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 116, article, pp.163-178) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 7197] & The Keep [LIB/500313] & S.A.S. library

This was a rescue dig, in advance of industrial development, by the Sussex Field Unit, ably undertaken by Dr Owen Bedwin. Although extensive robbing of stonework had taken place since the furnace was abandoned, and little of the furnace itself remained, other features of great interest were found and recorded before destruction. The carefully-contrived pattern of drains under the furnace was still intact, emphasising the importance of dryness in furnace working, and much of the wheel pit remained with its ashlar walls and timber base (rather surprisingly of chestnut).
Perhaps the find of greatest interest was the second Wealden gun casting pit to be excavated. This dated from 100 years earlier than the first to be found, in 1974 at Pippingford Furnace. At Pippingford the timber pit lining was intact and, short of partial destruction, it had been impossible to determine by excavation exactly how it had been constructed. At Maynards Gate, perhaps fortunately, all the upright timber staves had been robbed, leaving, down the sides of the pit, a regularly-spaced series of horizontal wooden hoops to which the missing perpendicular staves had been fastened. The laths forming the hoops had overlapping chamfered joints; these were nailed together in such a way that this could only have been done before they were placed in the pit. One may therefore surmise that the large barrel- like structure, 1.5 m. across and 3 m. deep, was built on the surface and lowered into the pit. Elaborate precautions, clay caulking, had been taken to make the pit watertight. Excellent photographs and drawings illustrate the finds.
The Maynards Gate excavation has added significantly to our knowledge of the Wealden gun-casting industry and we are grateful to, the Field Unit for undertaking it at short notice and in limited time.

Burgh Wood Forge, Etchingham, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1978 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 14, report, pp.5-6) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Batsford Furnace, Warbleton/Herstmonceux: Interim report, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1978 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 14, report, pp.8-9) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

John Collen: His Hammer-Forge in Burwash, 1524-6, by J. Pettitt, published 1978 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 14, article, p.10) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Fresh-Field Forge, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1978 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 13, report, p.14) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Iron Plate fro Henley Lower Furnace, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1978 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 13, report, p.15) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Excavations 1978: Batsford Mill and Furnace, Warbleton, by D.o.E., published December 1978 in Sussex Archæological Society Newsletter (no. 26, article, p.160, ISSN: 0307-2568) accessible at: S.A.S. library   Download PDF

The Excavation of Three Roman Bloomery Furnaces at Hartfield, Sussex, by Charles Frederick Tebbutt, published 1979 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 117, article, pp.47-56) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 7497] & The Keep [LIB/500312] & S.A.S. library

Waldron and Pippingford Furnaces, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1979 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 15, report, pp.10-11) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Bloomery Furnace Experiments, by R. J. Adams, published 1979 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 15, article, p.11) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

A Reconstruction Drawing of a Finery Forge, by Roger J. Adams, published 1979 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 16, article, pp.15-17) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Batsford Furnace, 1978, by D. R. Bedwin, published 1979 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 15, report, pp.27-31) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Batsford Furnace is one of those mentioned in the 1574 list of Wealden Ironworks. The site lies in a narrow valley between the villages of Cowbeech and Rushlake Green. The bay still exists to a height of about 3m; there is no pond, however, and the stream, known as Furnace Brook, has broken through the south-western end of the bay. Considerable blast furnace slag was present in the area behind the bay, and three 'bears' were visible here, one of them embedded in the bank of the stream.
During the summer of 1978, work began in the valley on the construction of a fish farm. The tree cover was first removed, and large-scale earthmoving undertaken to form a series of dams across the valley. It became clear that any archaeological site in the vicinity was threatened with destruction. This was brought to the notice of the Sussex Archaeological Field Unit by Mr C.F. Tebbutt, and it was decided to excavate the furnace in October and November, 1978.

The operation of charcoal blast furnaces in Sussex in the early eighteenth century, by R.V. Saville, published 1980 in Historical Metallurgy (vol. 14, no. 2, article, pp.65-73)

The excavation of a late 16th-century blast furnace at Batsford, Herstmonceux, East Sussex, 1978, by Owen Bedwin, published 1980 in Post-Medieval Archaeology (vol. 14, no. 1, article, pp.89-112)

Darwell Furnace, Mountfield, by J. Manwaring Baines, published 1980 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 17, article, pp.9-12) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Bloomery furnaces destroyed at Batsford, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1980 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 17, report, p.16) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Coneyhurst Gill Forge, Ewhurst, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1980 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 17, report, p.16) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Postern Forge, Tonbridge, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1980 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 17, report, p.17) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Paine's Place Furnace, Framfield, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1980 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 17, report, p.17) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

High Rocks Forge, Frant (Speldhurst), by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1980 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 17, report, p.17) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

New Light on Mayfield Furnace, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1980 in Wealden Iron Research Group (First Series No. 17, report, pp.17-18) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506558]   Download PDF

Wealden Bloomery Iron Smelting Furnaces, by Charles Frederick Tebbutt, published 1981 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 119, article, pp.57-64) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 7989] & The Keep [LIB/500306] & S.A.S. library

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

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.

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

Water Powered Sites:

• Knole Park; Ardingly Furnace
• Pashley Furnace, Ticehurst
• Maynards Gate Forge, Rotherfield.

Newly-discovered Bloomery Sites:

• Ashdown Forest
• Chiddingly
• Heathfield
• Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down.

Explorations and brief notes:

• Chiddingly
• Heathfield
• Runham Farm, Lenham, Kent.

Iron Graveslabs with incised lettering

Field Notes, by C. F. Tebbutt, published 1982 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 2, report, pp.6-11) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

• Furnace Wood, Buxted
• Sharpsbridge, Fletching
• Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down
• Crump Corner, Little Horsted
• Wadhurst
• Brambletye Forge
• Darwell Revisited
• New Light on Pippingford Steel Forge
• Mayfield Forge
• Mayfield Boring Mill
• Mayfield Furnace revisited.

Field Group Notes:

• Maresfield and Uckfield Bypass Forays
• Tugmore Shaw, Hartfield
• Thundersbarrow Hill
• WIRG Slag Collection

Field Notes, published 1983 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 3, report, pp.2-5) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

Sheffield Forge - New Developments, by C. F. and M. Tebbutt, published 1983 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 3, article, p.5) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

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.

Inventory of the Ironworks at Hamsell in 1708, by Anne Dalton, published 1983 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 3, article, pp.8-11) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

The inventory reproduced here was taken when Robert Baker, the owner of Hamsell Furnace and Birchden Forge, was declared bankrupt in 1708. It is mentioned by Straker but many members may not have read Miss Bell-Irving's Mayfield, Straker's source, and seen a list of the equipment and manufactured goods to be found in a furnace and forge in the early eighteenth century.

Bassetts Blast Furnace, by Brian Herbert, published 1983 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 3, article, pp.36-42) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

A blast furnace site has been discovered in the parish of Hartfield at TQ 4683 3738. The furnace site, which is under grass, and the leat which supplied water are owned by Mr Whetstone of Bassetts Manor. Straker referred to this site as a corn mill in 1939, but did mention that a little furnace slag was present. On investigation, in March 1980, a great deal of slag was found in the river and in the field to the south.

Pippingford Blast Furnace Trust, published 1983 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 3, article, p.49) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

An historic special meeting of the WIRG Committee was held on 9 February 1983, when it was unanimously decided to form a charitable trust to preserve, and eventually to open to the public the considerable remains of Pippingford blast furnace. These are at present covered with sheets since the excavation by David Crossley in 1974/5

Ashburnham Blast Furnace: A Definitive Date for its Closure, by W. R. Beswick, P. J. Broomhall and J. D. Bickersteth, published 1984 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 122, historical note, pp.226-227) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 9140] & The Keep [LIB/500309] & S.A.S. library

Field Notes, published 1984 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 4, report, pp.2-3, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

• Charcoal burner's hut (?)
• Bloomery site near Garden Hill
• Hartfield
• Runham Farm, Lenham, Kent

West End Furnace, Chiddingfold, Surrey, by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1984 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 4, article, pp.6-7, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

In December 1982, the reconstruction of the road bridge 10m downstream from the bay of this furnace (SU 939344) exposed a section through the road on the south side of the stream. In the section below the modern road surface, about 3.5m above the stream, was a layer of clay and, below that, a layer of iron slag, indicating an earlier road surface.

Birchenbridge Forge - a new site identified, by T. E. Evans and J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1984 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 4, article, pp.7-10, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

The first documentary reference to this site is in a survey of the timber and woods belonging to Sir John Caryll in 1598. It was part of the manors of Chesworth and Sedgwick which belonged, like the Forest of St. Leonard, to the Dukes of Norfolk and were confiscated, then restored, and then confiscated again, during their chequered careers under the Tudors. The Carylls, who were extensive proprietors of ironworks, having no less than six furnaces and four forges in the early seventeenth century, leased the manors of Chesworth and Sedgwick from the Crown, in succession to Sir Thomas Fynes, following the attainder of the Duke of Norfolk in 1572. The forge is not mentioned in the 1574 lists of ironworks and probably dates from the period between 1574 and 1598, during which time Edward Caryll and then his nephew, Sir John Caryll, acquired or took control of the forges and furnaces in St. Leonard's Forest, and at Gosden, Burningfold and Pallingham.

Hawkesden Forge Ironmasters' House, by Margaret Bolt, published 1984 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 4, article, p.11, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

Hawkesden Forge (TQ 623266) is remote from any other habitation or public road and the fine timber-framed house, standing just downstream of the south end of the bay, must have been built by whoever was operating the forge or possibly a furnace, for there is glassy slag as well as forge cinder here. According to Straker (Wealden Iron, 294-5) its origin is likely to have been in the sixteenth century.
We have to thank our member Anne Dalton for contacting the present occupier of the house and obtaining permission for a survey to be made. This was done by Margaret Holt of the Wealden Buildings Study Group, to whom we are grateful.

The Ashburnham Limeworks at Glaziers Forge, Burwash, by W. R. Beswick, published 1985 in Sussex Industrial History (issue No. 15, article, pp.18-21) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/15] & The Keep [LIB/506525]   Download PDF

The limeworks of the Ashburnham estates were important during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, not only as a source of family revenue but as a supply of lime to the surrounding Weald. At this time, the iron smelting industry was beginning to phase itself out so that wood fuel for such operations as this, would once more become available and at an economic price. It therefore made good sense to exploit the limestone of the Purbeck bed which ran in a north-westerly direction, across part of the estate from Orchard Wood near Battle, to Poundsford Farm in Burwash Parish.

Field Notes, published 1985 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 5, report, pp.2-8, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

The Introduction and Early Spread of the Blast Furnace in Europe, by Alex den Ouden, published 1985 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 5, article, pp.21-35, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

The classical hypothesis that the blast furnace originated in the Walloon part of present-day Belgium in the 13th or early 14th century is incomplete. It is now postulated that (independent) indigenous developments in Sweden, Italy and Belgium took place almost simultaneously. The spread of the new technology from these centres was governed by various technical and economical factors and a rather complex pattern evolved. Matters are further complicated by the adherence, in some areas, to the direct process. This article traces, and tentatively explains, the development of the earliest blast furnaces and their adoption.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1986 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 6, report, pp.3-6, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

Rowfant Supra Forge, by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1986 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 6, article, pp.49-52, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559]   Download PDF

Straker (1931, 467) and Cleere and Crossley (1985, 353-4) have suggested that the location of this enigmatic site may be downstream from the pond (TQ 319372) north of Horse pasture Wood. Both refer to small, inconclusive finds of slag in the immediate vicinity. This location can now be confirmed on the evidence of a manuscript map of the Rowfant Estate, dated 1692, at present in private hands.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1987 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 7, report, p.2, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

The Eighteenth Century Revival of Howbourne Forge, Buxted, by Pam Combes, published 1987 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 7, article, pp.16-19, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

In view of the overall decline in the number of Wealden forges operating in the eighteenth century, the revival of Howbourne Forge from 1756 to 1785 is an apparent anomaly.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1988 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 8, article, pp.2-11, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

Langles Furnace and Forge Site Survey 1986/7, by D. M. Meades, published 1988 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 8, article, pp.48-53, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

The WIRG Field Group surveyed this site as part of its 1986/7 winter programme. This account supplements and revises the information given in the gazetteer of The Iron Industry of the Weald, 341, which notes that the furnace was worked by Ralph Hogge in the late 16th century (Crossley (1974), 48-79) and that map of 1653 indicates a forge with two wheels at the west end of the bay (ESRO SAS E/9).

Old Forge, Wadhurst, by R. Martin, published 1989 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 19, article, pp.37-40, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506526]   Download PDF

James Bassett started his business as a general smith in the 1880s and moved in about 1900 to the present site in Mayfield Lane, Durgates in the Parish of Wadhurst, map reference TQ 630322. Business had by then increased and was expanded to include carriage building and the buildings which still exist were then erected.
These comprise a single storey range containing two forges set back from the road and a two storied block to the north at right angles to the road with its front edge on the road line. Construction generally is of softwood studded walls covered with painted weather-boarding externally with continuous ranges of windows and with corrugated sheet steel roofs. The rear wall of the forges is in 215 mm thick brickwork. A later single storey extension to the rear contains remains of under-floor line shafting by which power from an electric motor was transferred to woodworking machinery. A brick-built cottage adjacent to the forge to the south was built in 1906 and is still occupied by the grandson of the founder.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1989 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 9, report, pp.2-8, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

St. Leonards Lower Forge and Furnace Site Survey 1988, by R. G. Houghton and J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1989 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 9, article, pp.12-17, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

The WIRG Field Group made a number of visits to this site. Based on their discussions during and after their visits, this account supplements and re-examines the information given in the gazetteer of The Iron Industry of the Weald. The site is a complex one and any interpretation must be tentative for the dual use cannot be explained as readily as at Langles.

A New Forgemaster, William Bassett and an Old Name, Grubsbars, for Crowborough Forge, by Brian G. Awty, published 1989 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 9, article, pp.33-37, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1990 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 10, report, pp.2-3, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1991 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 11, report, pp.2-7, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

Reconstruction of a Wealden Gun casting Furnace, by R. G. Houghton, published 1991 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 11, article, p.18, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

The Sixteenth-Century Forge at Blackwater Green, Worth, West Sussex. Excavations 1988, by Christopher Place and Owen Bedwin, published 1992 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 130, article, pp.147-163) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 11918] & The Keep [LIB/500289] & S.A.S. library

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1992 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 12, report, pp.2-13, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

Warren Furnace, Worth, Sussex, by J. S. Hodgkinson and R. G. Houghton, published 1992 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 12, article, pp.16-23, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

This survey was carried out in 1979 and particular thanks are owed to Tony Weaver and Ken Housman for their advice and assistance, and to Mr. Peter Curties, the owner, for permission to examine the site over a long period. When the survey was undertaken the site lay in woodland consisting of a few mature oaks and wild cherries amid a low undergrowth of ash saplings. Since the storm of 1987 the site has become virtually impenetrable.

Iron Plat, Buxted, Sussex and Forge Site Survey 1990/1, by D. M. Meades and R. G. Houghton, published 1992 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 12, article, pp.23-26, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

The WIRG Field Group surveyed this site as part of its 1990/1 winter programme. This account supplements the information given in the gazetteer of The Iron Industry of the Weald, 148, 339, which suggests that the furnace at Iron Plat may have been one of four furnaces which are mentioned in the Hogge papers (Crossley 1974:52). No other documentary references to Iron Plat are known. Remains on the ground indicate that, in addition to a furnace, there was a conversion forge at this site. Whether the two were contemporary, or one succeeded the other and if so in what order is unknown.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1993 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 13, report, pp.2-3, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

Notes on Kent Furnaces, by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1993 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 13, note, pp.8-10, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

Notes on Wealden Furnaces - Board of Ordnance Records 1660-1700, by R. Rhynas Brown, published 1993 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 13, article, pp.20-30, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

One of the most important sources of information on the founders of the Weald are the records of the Board of Ordnance, who supplied guns, ammunition and other stores to the armed forces on land and sea. The two important series, presently in the Public Record Office at Kew, are WO 51, the Bill Books, which form a virtually complete record of the payments from the Board to its suppliers and officials from 1660 onwards, and WO 47, the Minute Books which form an incomplete and unhomogenous series in the last 40 years of the seventeenth century. These record the meetings of the Board in varying detail. Although most of the references are to founders, there are several to specific furnaces, not only indicating who was using them, but also how they were used. The following extracts show such information. Career details of the founders are compiled from the Bill Books and the Minute Books. Further information on the furnaces may be found in the gazetteer of water-powered sites in Cleere H. and Crossley D., The Iron Industry of the Weald (Leicester, 1985) and on furnaces outside the Weald in Riden P., A Gazeteer of Charcoal-fired Blast Furnaces in Great Britain in use since 1660 (Cardiff, 1987).

Two Ironworking Sites, Hoathly, near Lamberhurst, by B. K. Herbert, published 1993 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 13, article, pp.34-50, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506560]   Download PDF

This report brings up to date the results of a survey and many forays to the ironworking sites at Hoathly, near Lamberhurst, on the Kent/Sussex border. The earliest site, Hoathly Forge (1546 to 1667) was followed by Lamberhurst Furnace, also known as Gloucester Furnace, (1696 to 1787) and a later corn mill (1812 onwards). All these operations relied on a leat as a source of water power, the water being taken off the River Teise. It is this feature which is considered in detail. It was called the "Hoathly Ditch" and is one of the more unusual features of the Wealden iron industry still to be seen.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1994 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 14, report, pp.2-3, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506561]   Download PDF

The possible use of coke for smelting iron in the Weald, by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1994 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 14, article, pp.13-16, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506561]   Download PDF

In a recent article, Philip Riden has discussed a list of coke iron furnaces which apparently ceased working before 1788. The list is part of a document in which are named forges and their output in 1749, charcoal furnaces closed between 1750 and 1787 (to which the list of defunct coke furnaces is appended), and the output, by county, of coke furnaces at work in 1791. At the end of the list of thirteen defunct coke furnaces is a site, or sites, which the author was unable to locate: Fordley North Park. The site is not mentioned in the similar lists of ironworks in the Weale Manuscripts.

Contemporary illustrations of Wealden furnaces, by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1994 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 14, article, pp.20-27, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506561]   Download PDF

Millplace and Gravetye furnaces, by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1994 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 14, article, pp.29-31, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506561]   Download PDF

Depositions in a case laid before the Court of Chancery, in the matter of Katherine Infield v. Henry Faulconer, over his alleged improper occupation of the Gravetye estate, in West Hoathly, show that Mill Place Furnace was active between 1624 and 1638, and probably in the immediately preceding period. The depositions of a number of persons who had known, or who had had business dealings with Mrs Infield or Mr Faulconer, were taken at East Grinstead in January and October 1638.

Wealden ironmasters and the Board of Ordnance after 1770, by R. R. Brown, published 1994 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 14, article, pp.31-47, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506561]   Download PDF

The date 1770 is often taken as a watershed in the history of the iron industry in the Weald. Certainly after this date other areas are increasingly important as a source of iron guns for the Board of Ordnance, which bought stores for the British forces. However there are still a number of references in the Board papers which throw light on the last years of the Sussex iron industry. As in my previous paper I have selected entries which show specific founders or ironworks and which by no means exhaust the references to Wealden iron in the public records.

Ashburnham Furnace in the early 18th century, by P. W. King, published 1995 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 133, article, pp.255-262) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 13209] & The Keep [LIB/500288] & S.A.S. library

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1996 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 16, report, pp.2-6, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506563]   Download PDF

Oldlands Furnace, Marshalls and the Nutt family, by Pam Combes, published 1996 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 16, article, pp.13-16, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506563]   Download PDF

The origins of the Nutt family are obscure. Although Mark Anthony Lower believed John Nutt to be the son of a London merchant, he cites no authority for the statement. However, by 1616 John Nutt was rector of Bexhill, rector of Berwick and at some time a prebendary of Chichester. He was deprived of the living of Bexhill during the Commonwealth (1644-5) but remained rector of Berwick until his death in 1653. He was undoubtedly a man of substance, eventually purchasing the lordship of Berwick manor from the Earl of Dorset in 1651. Although he presumably lived in the substantial parsonage he built at Berwick, later in life his home was Mays in Selmeston.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1997 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 17, report, pp.2-8, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506564]   Download PDF

Forges in the late eighteenth century Weald, by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1997 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 17, article, pp.13-23, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506564]   Download PDF

From the second half of the seventeenth century the output of the Wealden iron industry had changed from being concentrated on the production of bar iron, through the close integration of furnaces and forges, to a specialisation in the manufacture of castings and, in particular, ordnance. This trend, which is reflected in the changing proportion of forges to furnaces, is demonstrated in the succession of lists which appeared during the hundred years from 1650. In them the reduction in output of the forges is very evident, and the petitions and pamphlets which often accompanied such lists point to the increasing dominance of Swedish iron in the eastern half of England, the market earlier served, in part, by the Wealden forges. Not only was the iron, that was imported from the Baltic, of a higher grade than the Wealden product but, despite export and import taxes and a long sea journey, was cheaper as well. The Crowleys, themselves manufacturers of ordnance in the Weald, were the largest importers of Swedish iron, at their extensive works on Tyneside. Thus the Wealden forges were deprived of a wider market by cheaper, imported iron, and reduced to working up the limited surplus iron from furnaces, the production of which was geared to casting guns.

A reconstruction of a Wealden conversion forge and boring mill, by R. G. Houghton, published 1997 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 17, article, pp.23-40, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506564]   Download PDF

To many people, mention of the Wealden iron industry conjures up a picture of a blast furnace by its pond, busily casting the cannon which, according to Kipling, 'smote King Philip's fleet'. However, there were two stages in the production of iron. The first, at the furnace, was production of pig iron and castings such as cannon and firebacks. The second was less well publicised but was no less important. At the conversion forge, sows or pigs of cast iron were decarburized and hammered, to produce malleable wrought iron for the blacksmith. Some time ago, I produced a cut-away drawing of a furnace. Since then it has several times been suggested that a companion drawing of the forge would complete the picture. In many ways it has proved more difficult than the first.

Burgh Wood Forge, Etchingham, by Anne Dalton, published 1997 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 17, article, pp.40-46, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506564]   Download PDF

R. F. Hunnisett, in his introduction to Sussex Coroners' Inquests 1485-1558, refers to the fact that there were several inquests involving aliens, French, Brabantines and Flemings, who were often found to have killed their fellow countrymen. One such case, in 1521, concerned John Ongerfeld of Etchingham, 'hammersmyth', who has been mentioned already by Awty, and Cleere and Crossley, as indicating an early start to iron forges in the Etchingham area.

The supply of raw materials to the Heathfield ironworks, by C. H. C. Whittick, published 1997 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 17, article, pp.46-47, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506564]   Download PDF

The editors of the Fuller correspondence expressed surprise at letters which seemed to suggest that charcoal was carried to the family's furnace at Heathfield from Newick, a distance of approximately ten miles.
It can however be demonstrated that the Newick to which the letters refer is not the parish north of Lewes but Newick Farm in Heathfield, a little over two miles north of the furnace.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1998 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 18, report, pp.2-7, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506565]   Download PDF

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 1999 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 19, report, p.2, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506566]   Download PDF

The Wealden Iron Research Group Experimental Bloomery Furnace, by B. K. Herbert, published 1999 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 19, article, pp.3-19, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506566]   Download PDF

This note records the setting-up and results of an experimental iron furnace on Ashdown Forest, Sussex. The Wealden Iron Research Group has been carrying out bloomery furnace experiments for about 25 years, initially under Roger Adams but now with a group of eight volunteers. It was one of the first Groups outside a university to study iron smelting under primitive conditions. Although several pieces of iron were produced, one an impressive 7lbs of high quality steel, it was impossible to make iron to order. The object of these experiments is to build on the knowledge already gained and try to consistently produce wrought iron and steel by the bloomery process.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2000 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 20, report, pp.2-11, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506567]   Download PDF

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2001 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 21, report, pp.2-8, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506568]   Download PDF

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2002 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 22, report, pp.2-5, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506569]   Download PDF

Fernhurst Furnace, and other Industrial Sites in the Western Weald, by John Magilton, published 2003 (Chichester District Council, ISBN-10: 0850170133 & ISBN-13: 9780850170139) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 14994] & West Sussex Libraries

The Queenstock furnace at Buxted, Sussex: the earliest in England?, by Brian Awty, published 2003 in Historical metallurgy (vol. 37, part 1, article, pp.51-52)

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2003 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 23, report, pp.2-6, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506570]   Download PDF

Balcombe Road Forge, Crawley, by Ron Martin, published 2004 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 34, article, pp.38-40, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506532]   Download PDF

The forge was located on the east side of Balcombe Road, Crawley at TQ 2979 3675 and was an L-shaped building, the short leg being at the rear of the site, orientated north to south and this has been referred to this as the "original forge" with the more recent extension running east to west toward the road.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2004 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 24, report, pp.2-5, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506571]   Download PDF

Inholms, The Forge, Balcombe Road, Worth, by Nadine Hygate, published 2005 (Crawley Museum) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2005 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 25, report, pp.2-9, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506572]   Download PDF

• A bloomery in Peasmarsh, East Sussex
• Romano-British site at North Chailey, East Sussex
• Ashburnham Forge, East Sussex
• In search of Bournemill furnace, Kent
• In search of Iping furnace, West Sussex
• Two bloomery sites in Maresfield, East Sussex
• Bloomery slag in Mayfield, East Sussex

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2006 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 26, report, pp.2-5, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506573]   Download PDF

The Construction of a Wealden Blast Furnace, by R. G. Houghon, published 2006 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 26, article, pp.10-30, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506573]   Download PDF

As an architect I have always been interested, not only in the construction of the furnace but in the relationship between that, the layout and the process as it affects the design. It seemed natural to try to understand it by drawing it. Hence this, the last in a series of 1:50-scale axonometric drawings (Fig. 10, pp28-29). It is not meant to show any particular furnace, but is an amalgam of details from various sites and sources, put together to try to give an impression of a 17th-century gun-casting furnace. It must be borne in mind that details may vary, not only at different times and places but with different ironmasters as well.
Over a hundred furnaces were operating in the Weald at some time or other over a period of at least three hundred years, but all that remains of their structures above ground are a few low mounds of rubble and slag. Fortunately there are still enough sources available to enable us to get a fair idea of a typical furnace.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2007 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 27, report, pp.2-5, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506574]   Download PDF

An Experiment to test Alternative Conjectures about the Covers of Ore-roasting Pits, by Jonathan Prus and Brian Herbert, published 2007 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 27, article, pp.6-10, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506574]   Download PDF

The ballistic properties of roasting siderite iron ore suggest that ore-roasting pits must have been covered during use. In the absence of archaeological evidence, the experiment described here was designed to test the alternative conjectures that such pits were covered with either mud or with green vegetation.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2008 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 28, report, pp.2-8, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506575]   Download PDF

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2009 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 29, report, pp.3-6, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506576]   Download PDF

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2010 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 30, report, pp.3-9, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506577]   Download PDF

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2011 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 31, report, pp.3-8, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506578]   Download PDF

Hammer and Furnace Ponds: Relics of the Wealden Iron Industry, by Helen Pearce, published 11 March 2011 (108 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 1907242155 & ISBN-13: 9781907242151) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries   View Online

They beautify the woodlands of the Kent and Sussex High Weald and adjacent parts of Surrey, but they were created to power what has been described as the country's first industrial revolution. This walker-friendly guide to the rich crop of surviving hammer and furnace ponds in the area traces the history of iron exploitation from pre-Roman times, but concentrates on the 16th and 17th centuries when the Weald throbbed to the sound of trip hammers. Fortunes were made by iron-masters such as the Fullers of Brightling, the Barhams of Wadhurst and the Streatfeildes of Chiddingstone, and several of their grand houses survive in the landscape as a testimony to their wealth. Guns for government ordnance or sale to foreign governments were the major line, but the foundries turned out a range of products, from firebacks to grave slabs. This is the first popular guide to the subject in recent years and includes a complete gazetteer of the surviving ponds with map references and access details, a list of relevant museums, a glossary of terms and ideas for further reading.

Field Notes, compiled by J. S. Hodgkinson, published 2013 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 33, report, pp.3-4, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/507841]   Download PDF

Field Notes, published 2014 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 34, report, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/509143]   Download PDF

Field Notes, published 2015 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 35, report, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/509144]   Download PDF

Field Notes, published 2016 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 36 (Part I), report, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/509249]