Fernhurst Furnace and tour of old Midhurst

Event details

Saturday 16 October 2021, 10.00-12.30

The remains of Fernhurst Furnace are some of the best-preserved in the Sussex Weald. There's evidence to suggest that the site may have functioned as a charcoal blast furnace as early as the 16th century.

Used to produce cast iron, tools and cannon, the site provides important evidence of the iron industry in the Weald, which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Our visit will be led by the owner, Robin Barnes, and will include insight into the history of the site and the current works, which are funded by Historic England.

After the visit to Fernhurst Furnace, we will reconvene at Midhurst Museum for a walking tour of historic Midhurst. There has been a settlement here since Saxon times, but the majority of the buildings in the old town date from the 16th century.

Members are welcome to remain after the tour - if the group wishes, we will continue to a pub or cafe for lunch (at your own expense).

Multiple bookings
As long as there is space on the event, we usually allow you to book for both yourself and a guest. When completing the booking form, you will be asked to select the number of people and put in your own details on the first page, then to put in your second person's details on the next page. The event fee shown on each of these pages is for the individual person - you will be shown the total amount due once you get to the summary page.

About the Sussex Regional Group
The Sussex Group is run by a committee of five, with Simon Clark as main organiser and Ashley Brown, Duncan Philips, Bob Overton-Hart and Jonathan Cerowski all also organising events and performing various roles. The current committee has by and large served since 2014, and all live in Sussex but liberally spread across both West and East. The Group’s approach is to put on an event monthly between Easter and autumn each year.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: please contact the Group Organiser before booking to discuss any special access requirements.