It’s not often This is Haslemere hears of an organisation that has to issue an event warning to dog owners to beware of musket and cannon fire so, we were intrigued to learn about the Fernhurst Furnace and the Fernhurst Furnace Preservation Group.

Fernhurst Furnace was a charcoal fired blast furnace and is situated just outside of Fernhurst village. This hidden bit of local history was a place that once produced cannon.

The archaeology of the furnace site is nestled in woodland just over one mile west of Fernhurst Village. The site can be visited any time, and is viewed from a public footpath across a dam at the head of Furnace Pond. On dry days, the dam makes a perfect spot to rest from a walk and to picnic. Their website gives helpful instructions to visit by foot, aiming for Sussex Footpath 1264 with the What3Words location: ///dripping.firming.oxidation

The furnace site was first recorded and excavated by Chichester District Archaeological Unit in 1989. It became apparent that there was a long-standing threat to the lower parts of the site from erosion as excessive volumes of water from the furnace pond poured through a 1940s sluice in Winter, washing away parts of the wheel-pits and tail race. An assessment of the scale and rate of destruction was possible in 1989 thanks to an earlier (1976) survey drawing of the area by Haslemere Archaeological Society, but there has been further dramatic erosion since during the 1990s. Attempts have been made to minimise further damage, but the long-term solution will incur considerable costs.

The remains of Fernhurst Furnace are some of the best preserved in the Sussex Weald.

The iron industry flourished here in the 17th and 18th centuries, using local ore, charcoal, and water power.

The untouched nature of the site and the rural surroundings belie the production of cast iron in the form of pig iron, domestic artefacts, agricultural implements, and latterly ships’ cannons. The Weald effectively began the Industrial Revolution.

Even though there are many ‘hammer/furnace’ ponds throughout East and West Sussex, many people know little about the great historical and social importance of this bygone industry.

It’s the aim of the volunteers of the Fernhurst Furnace Preservation Group to preserve the remains of the furnace and to tell the story of the incredible history which happened here.

The site has been scheduled by English Heritage under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. This protection means walkers are welcome to view the site from the public footpath, but it’s not permissible to enter onto the archaeology or to disturb it in any way.

Every September, as part of UK Heritage Open Days, the charity hosts an open weekend. This is a chance to learn about the fascinating history of the site, with the benefit of lots of fun things to do and see: including falconry displays, blacksmithing, wood turning, copper smelting, local crafts and a civil war reenactment with live firing muskets and cannon (hence the warning for dog owners). There’s a rural beer tent, roast lamb lunch and cakes. Click here for the full schedule of events.

The popular event is free to enter and free to park - the charity do ask for kind donations. Find out more on the website: www.fernhurstfurnace.co.uk and enjoy this great 2025 Open Weekend with a great chance to learn about some hidden local history too.

"Had the most cracking time on Sunday at this amazing, ancient furnace, dating back over 500 years! Wonderful family experience with loads of noise, fighting, food and artisans making their wares..." - Jenny - visitor in 2024.