Iron Making in the Olden Times / as instanced in the Ancient Mines, Forges, and Furnaces of The Forest of Dean

The work combines archival research and field investigation to chart the long history of iron extraction and manufacture in the Forest of Dean, describing ancient surface workings and underground passages, their quarry-like scowles, and evidence of early miners. It reconstructs tools, ladders, footprints, and other relics found in mines, and outlines the layout and operation of forges and furnaces. Drawing on court records and local observation, it presents a chronological account of mining and smelting techniques, economic patterns, and the industry’s technological development up to the author’s present day.