Wortley Top Forge
The records of a forge in the upper reaches of the Don Valley date back to the 1630s though it is very likely iron working took place here from a much earlier date given the availability of local iron ore. The present building dates back to the 17th Century with later additions. The machines in the forge were powered solely by water. The forge dam was filled by the waters of the River Don and delivered to the forge through a goit. Used water was drained from the forge down another goit and back to the Don.
Although early records are scant Wortley Top Forge, together with the now derelict Low Forge and other iron foundries in the area was part of the Spencer Syndicate which managed iron works across Yorkshire and the West Midlands. During the Civil War in the 1640s the Forge produced iron cannonballs. There was a major rebuilding in 1713. The forge converted pig iron from the smelter into the more useful wrought iron. In 1850 Top Forge began to specialise in the production of railway axles. There was the forge, gaffer's house, cottages and workshops.
The forge closed about 1908 and the building, the equipment and the dam fell into disrepair. Many of the original waterwheels and hammers are still in place so it looks as if the place was just abandoned.
In 1953 South Yorkshire Industrial History Society saved the place from destruction and began the restoration which is still ongoing today. The forge opened to the public in 1955.
Review June 2009
Wortley Top Forge is situated in a rather idyllic place in a bend of the River Don west of the village of Wortley. Even with all the banging, clattering and hammering going off it it still managed to remain a pleasant spot. For your entrance money you get a tour with a knowledgeable volunteer guide around the forge. The waterwheels are operated and you can see how the hammers worked when the works were in full swing. There is a fine collection of old machinery, much of which works, and where it doesn't it is often being mended. When you've done the tour you can wander round freely and revisit the bits that interest you. I made the comment that the grounds looked like a sculpture park for machine artists. The pedant pooh-poohed that one!
There is a miniature railway. The sign said trains running today but when we went to have a look they were not. The site also hosts a variety of machines and engines, including the Elizabeth in one of the outhouses. This is a playground for grown up boys as many store and work on their machines here.
There is Nature Trail around the site set up with Lottery funding. As the site is low and damp there are fine collections of ferns and liverworts. We took some old bread pre-supposing that there would be ducks on the dam. There were; but rather than the friendly beggars one normally gets these all took off in alarm as soon as we showed up.
In conclusion I have to say we had a very enjoyable afternoon. No shopping, no smart cafés, no gifte shoppe and lots of old and oily machines; so it won't be for some folk. I would not take small children here as there is little to interest them but older ones would probably enjoy it unless they were reet mingers. Dogs were welcome.
As the site and the building is old not everywhere is suitable for the disabled; there are steps, changes in level and uneven sections, even the loos are up steps. However if you are of limited mobility you should be able to make it. One of our party used a walking stick and was a tad slow. He thought carefully before going up some of the steps but made it all the way round.
Photographs
Information
Open Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays 11am - 5pm Easter to early November.
Entry 2009 £3 (concessions ?) and £1 for the booklet.
Car park in field at back - wet weather mud warning! Toilets (no disabled access). Café tea and biccies only.
Nature Trail around the site.