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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Nine Arches
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Schools Out For Summer!
Check out what’s on at the Land of Oak & Iron over the 6 weeks Summer holidays! We are planning some exciting family fun at our Heritage Centre for during the school holidays, from Bugs n Stuff to free craft workshops. Don’t forget we have a delicious kid’s menu, with a Bairn’s Picnic meal deal…
Whinfield Coke Ovens
There were once 193 beehive coke ovens, built in 1861 by the owners of the Victoria Garesfield Colliery to produce coke from coal mined at Victoria Garesfield and Watergate Collieries; they were the last to operate in Britain until 1958. There are only five complete and two partial ovens if you go and look today,…
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Hollinside Manor
Hollinside Manor is a 13th century manor house situated east of the Nine Arches Viaduct, on the edge of a steep brow with commanding views of Derwenthaugh Country Park and the surrounding countryside. It was the home of the Harding family for two centuries during which time the manor became known as the ‘Giant’s Castle’…
Allensford Blast Furnace
Venture into the woods opposite Allensford Country Park to discover a hidden relic of the industrial past. The blast furnace was used around 1700 and is the earliest surviving ore roasting furnace in Britain; once extracted the iron was sent to a steel forge further downstream which supplied the Shotley Bridge sword makers. Enjoy a…
