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Wortley Top Forge is Britain's last surviving water powered heavy iron forge with a history dating back to the 17th century.
Wortley Ironworks was originally on two sites, Low Forge, lower down the valley and now in a ruinous state; and Top Forge, now in the care of the South Yorkshire Industrial History Society and currently undergoing renovation.
There are many things to see on the site as it's surrounded by trees in beautiful wooded countryside in a loop of the River Don, although the main attraction is the Forge building that contains the furnace, helve hammers, waterwheels and cranes. Other buildings on the site include the Blacksmith's Shop, where demonstrations are sometimes given and the Foundry building, where casting used to take place.
This building and the upstairs of the Blacksmith's is home to an amazing collection of machines and engines, many of which still work and are demonstrated. A miniature railway has been built around the site and rides are given, to both children and adults, a delight for any train fans.
Events:
Sunday 1 April Spring Gala
Sunday 2 September Model Engineers' Open Day
Saturday 8 September Heritage Open Days - free entry, 11.00am to 4.00pm
Sunday 9 December Christmas Event with Santa 11.00am to 4.00pm
Visitors are offered a guided tour. Group bookings accepted. Car parking on site.
Admission Charge: £3 full price, £2 for concessions, and 50p for children
Directions:
By the River Don, on a side road to the west of the A629 Sheffield-Huddersfield road. Turn off just south of Wortley village, or at the traffic lights in Thurgoland.
Volunteer:
The site has been restored and is currently maintained and run by volunteers. We are always glad to have offers of help or enquiries about volunteering. Please contact the Forge.
Visitor Information - Gordon Parkinson on 0114 281 7991
General Information - Derek Bayliss on 0114 230 7693
Opening Times
Open to visitors on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter Sunday (8 April) to Sunday 4 Nov, 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.
