Oughtibridge Forge

Oughtibridge Forge is a former water-powered forge built in 1792, with alterations and additions made in the 19th century. At the time of listing, it was unoccupied and in a derelict state. The building is constructed from horizontally-tooled coursed squared sandstone with ashlar dressings and has a partially roofed section made of 20th-century corrugated metal sheeting.

The forge has a T-shaped plan, with the rear projection oriented towards the head goit that supplied water to the site. The front elevation, facing southwest, features a single-storey, six-bay range. It has quoined and keyed semi-circular headed cart entrances in bays two and five, although the entrance in bay two is damaged and its surround is incomplete. The other bays have semi-circular headed window openings with projecting cills, imposts, and keystones. The window in bay one is blocked with a vertical slit to its left, while bay six has been enlarged to create a doorway.

The rear elevation is incomplete but shows remnants of former arched openings in the lower walling and at the gable apex. The side elevations also retain arched openings similar to those on the front. The interior has not been inspected but is reported to contain king-post roof trusses with angled braces to the principals and purlins. At the junction of the main range and the rear wing, cast-iron columns support the tie beam.

Historically, Oughtibridge Forge was a significant 18th-century water-powered metalworking site, part of a larger network of such sites along the river system of Sheffield. Many of these forges continued to operate with water power long after the introduction of steam power, making survivals like this one increasingly rare.