MSO8543 - Medieval iron-smelting site at Oldrey (Monument)

Refuse heaps of iron smelting scoriae (slag) were recorded as being found in the yard of the farm at Aldworthy, near Eisen Hill, in 1858. The name 'Aldworthy' is reputed to be a corruption of 'Old Foundry'. These heaps would result from charcoal smelting which was almost extinct before 1775. ('Aldworthy' is at SS 903379 on Sellick's map, and the farm therefore would be 'Oldrey', which is at SS 90203768 on Ordnance Survey 6 inch 1962 map). [1,2] Collinson, in his account of Exford, writes "About a mile and a half eastward of the church are the vestiges of some ancient iron works, in which tradition says much of the wood of Exmoor was consumed. Many of the old pits where the ore was dug still remain, and great quantities of the scoria are found about them". [3] Howes says that the only place he knows to which the description applies is Oldre Farm, sometimes known as Aldre and shown on the Ordnance map as Aldworthy, which is however in Winsford parish. He adds that evidences still exist that some process of smelting must have been carried on there and scoria and charcoal ashes are still to be found. [4] At SS 37625 90195 in the garden of Oldrey Bungalow are small pieces of iron slag. They support the assumption that iron smelting took place at Oldrey. Cursory investigation failed to locate slag heaps although it is recommended that detailed investigation takes place in and around the buildings of Oldrey and Oldrey Bungalow. [5] The area of Oldrey Farm is disturbed by recent house building and slag is visible dispersed over a wide area. The main concentration covers an area little more than 10 metres in diameter. [6] A slag deposit at Oldrey was excavated by Exmoor National Park in 2005. Four samples of oak roundwood charcoal were submitted for radiocarbon dating. [7] The analysed samples returned dates from the 13th to 14th Century, or very early 15th Century. [8] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [9]