Find out how iron was turned into steel hundreds of years ago at Derwentcote Steel Furnace with English Heritage.
Built around 1730, Derwentcote is the earliest and most complete steel-making furnace in Britain. It produced high-grade steel for springs and cutting tools.
A rare opportunity to see inside this 18th century furnace which is a Grade 1 Listed Building and is one of the few remaining examples of this type of furnace in the country. Learn how wrought iron was turned into steel through the cementation process; this is the last remaining piece of evidence of cementation steel making in the north east.
Our free guided walk programme is run by our team of dedicated and knowledgeable Volunteer Guides. Key features of the tours include handling objects, a tour the interior of the conical furnace building, which has been previously closed to the public, and a tour of the archaeological remains of various iron/steel works – including a crucible furnace, worker’s cottages and water wheel.
All tours start at 11am and last approx. 45 minutes, with time at the end for visitors to independently enjoy the exhibition on display inside the furnace building.
Meeting point is the furnace building. We kindly ask visitors wear appropriate footwear, as it can be quite slippery underfoot, and the uneven ground is not suitable for pushchairs. The contact person for any queries can be put as myself (number 07557 834133)
The next tours will take place on:
- 11:00 am Saturday 2nd April
- 11:00 am Saturday 16th April
- 11:00 am Sunday 24th April
- 11:00 am Wednesday 4th May
- 11:00 am Saturday 14th May
- 11:00 am Wednesday 18th May
- 11:00 am Saturday 28th May
- 11:00 am Saturday 11th June
- 11:00 am Sunday 26th June
- 11:00 am Wednesday 29th June
Find out more: Derwentcote Steel Furnace | English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk)