The geophysical evaluation of an iron-working complex: Rievaulx and environs, North Yorkshire

Abstract

Geophysical techniques are often considered to have little application on iron-working sites because the responses from large quantities of iron slag can mask structural remains associated with iron production. This may result in the incomplete or erroneous interpretation of the geophysical data. Geophysical surveys, can, however, identify the strong magnetic anomaly associated with a furnace and in these circumstances have worked well. Slag can produce a wide range of responses, which may be attributed to changes in iron-content, depth of burial and thickness of the slag deposit. A more detailed examination of the data, therefore, can often lead to the identification of structures. The geophysical survey work in the Rievaulx area in North Yorkshire, England has examined iron-working activity ranging from a bloomery site to a blast furnace with a finery/chafery complex. Geophysical surveys were undertaken on eight sites to measure magnetic anomalies, magnetic susceptibility and earth resistance. One geophysically surveyed bloomery site was subsequently excavated. The geophysical interpretations can be compared with the historical evidence. Cistercian monks from Rievaulx Abbey operated several of the sites surveyed. After the dissolution of the Abbey in 1538, iron-making continued under the Duke of Rutland, who constructed a charcoal-fired furnace at Rievaulx in ca. 1570. The geophysical work has led to a reassessment of the use of water-power, which was associated with two finery/chafery complexes in the Rievaulx area. Most of the surveys have identified iron-working features that can be matched to topographic changes. The paper covers the results from some of the Rievaulx surveys and details the types of feature than can be identified, including furnace sites, buildings, leats and slag tips. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.