Permission sought for urgent repairs to help preserve Fernhurst furnace

Planning permission is being sought to repair the dam structures and stone walls at the Fernhurst Furnace, which is also known as the North Park Iron Furnace.

The archaeological remains at the site are highly significant to understanding the history of the iron industry in the Weald, which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries using local ore, charcoal and water power.

There is evidence that it operated as a charcoal blast furnace possibly as early as the 16th century, according to the planning documents.

Cast iron, tools and cannons were produced at the site until its recorded closure in 1777.

The site was designated a Scheduled Monument in recognition of its national importance in 2005 – however it is currently on Historic England’s Heritage at risk register.

Funding from Historic England’s repair grant scheme has allowed the conservation proposals to progress to the planning stage.

The application, which will be considered by the South Downs National Park Authority, states that the works ‘largely amount to repair of the existing structures’.

Any modern engineering interventions will be carefully concealed using reinstated existing material.

New sluice gates will also be provided and a connecting water channel will be diverted.

The works will have to be carefully phased in order to manage the continuous flow of water through the site.

Protecting the furnace by carrying out the repairs will allow for further investigations to be carried out in the future.

Popular open days are usually hosted at the furnace each year, giving residents the opportunity to learn more about its history.

The events – which are run by The Fernhurst Furnace Preservation Group – typically involve a guided tour of the site remains and musket, cannon and longbow demonstrations by the Sealed Knot.

Visitors have an opportunity to try their hand at activities including target archery and spinning.

This year’s event has unfortunately been cancelled due to the pandemic, but the open day will return next year on September 11 and 12.

To see the plans in full, search SDNP/20/02006/FUL on the South Downs National Park Authority’s website.