Furnace Mill, Walls And Outbuildings

Furnace Mill, along with its walls and outbuildings, is an 18th-century mill that was extended in the early 19th century. The structure features a timber frame and weatherboarding, with red brick on the ground floor and a plain tiled roof. The mill building is two stories high with a garret and has a half-hipped gambrel roof. On the first floor, there are two three-light wooden casements, while the ground floor has a central boarded loft door, a three-light casement to the left, and two double cart doors at the center and to the right. There is a lean-to outshot on the right side. The wheel axle projects from low on the left return side, now situated in a dry wheel pit. The internal flooring and fittings for machinery are still present, along with some machinery elements. To the right, there is a single-storey stable block with three strap-hinged half-doors, and beyond that is a red brick wall about six feet high, extending approximately 30 meters with a gateway, linking to a red brick and tiled outhouse to the north of the main house. This site holds significant historical and archaeological importance as it was home to the Gloucester Furnace, the largest ironworking furnace and mill in the Weald during the 17th and 18th centuries. Earthwork remains are also found in the vicinity, extending down the valley to Peppermills.