Medieval Iron-Workings in Minepit Wood, Rotherfield, Sussex

Abstract

FROM 1965 TO 1967 detailed excavations were carried out in Minepit Wood, Rotherfield, Sussex, on what proved to be a complete and undisturbed iron-working site of the 14th and 15th centuries. Two periods were distinguished. Except for part of the roasting-furnace nothing survived of the earlier structures. The remains of the later period (which followed closely on the earlier) included a dump of natural ore prepared for roasting; a stone-built roasting-furnace with attendant heap of ore-roasting refuse; a stone and clay smelting-furnace and slag-heap; the groundwalls of a timber-framed building, which had been partly roofed and enclosed the smelting-furnace and supplies of roasted ore and charcoal; the ground- walls of a small ancillary building; and a few pieces of iron and contemporary pottery. One of the many minepits, which gave the wood its name, was also shown to be late medieval.