Discover the story of cementation, a process which converted wrought iron to steel, at Derwentcote Steel Furnace, one of the few remaining examples of this type of furnace nationally. The furnace was built in the 1730s, it was later redeveloped as a steel-rolling mill and crucible steelworks before going out of use in 1891. The furnace was restored by English Heritage in 1990; see for yourself the remains of several workers cottages which were excavated on Time Team but remain derelict.
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