Description and History of Site:-
The remains of a typical early18th-century furnace comprising a large square plan masonry tower with ashlar facings, rubble core and thin sandstone facing on the inner wall. Several openings for charging, admitting the (cold) air blast and removal of the molten iron and slags. The charging bank on the south side was linked to the furnace top by a bridge. Most probably constructed 1704-5 by Lewis Wescombe, leased to a Mr. Green in 1711. In operation using charcoal until circa 1741. Part of the West Riding iron trade involving the Spencer family of Cannon Hall, Cawthorne. Probably went out of use around 1750. There is some evidence to support the suggestion that the furnace was recommissioned for a while in the 1790s using coke as the fuel. Inner lining of small sandstone blocks but the hearth and most of the dressed stone from the outer faces have been removed. Owned by the South Yorkshire Industrial History Society.

Further Reading and References:-
Bayliss, D (ed). A guide to the industrial history of South Yorkshire. Association for Industrial Archaeology, 1995, entry D11.
http://iadb.co.uk/epip/Rockley%20Furnace%20text%20plates%20figures.pdf

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Key Words :- ironworking charcoal blast furnace

Address :- Rockley Lane, Rockley, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 3DS
Grid Ref :- SE 33812 02148
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.514929 , Long -1.491569
Local Authority :- Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - West Riding
Site Status :- Scheduled Ancient Monument SAM
Historic England List No - 1004820,
Site Condition :- Site conserved and open to the public
Site Dates :- 1704 - 1790s
Record Date :- 6 May 2015

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