The Mousehole Forge by suvanki
"And yonder stands old Mousehole Forge In Dingy honours dres't,
Famed in the days of good King George
For Anvils, Englands best"
This 17th century forge is now a private house, restored by the owners John and Julia Hatfield, but can be viewed through the iron gates.
I think there are some 'open days' but I'll try and find out later, I know there was a Christmas Carol evening with mulled wine and mincepies Dec 05!
The forge played an important role in the early development of Sheffields metal industry. Early 17th century it began as a lead smelting mill, later becoming an iron forge.
During the mid-late 18th century, anvils were made, with a mousehole trade mark, and were exported worldwide, with the majority finding their way to America.
The forge suffered damage during The Great Sheffield Flood of March 1864, and eventually closed around 1933.
It is thought to be the first and longest running anvil factory in the world.
The forge is situated near the start/end of The Rivelin Valley Nature Trail, ( a pleasant walk through woodlands, with points of interest identified by plaques providing information about this once thriving industrial valley) and is worth a slight diversion to sneak a look at the house and yard which contains some of the original features.
An American, Richard A. Postman, along with the Hadfields, has written an historical account 'Mousehole Forge'