Mousehole Forge (Rivelin Waterpower Sites)
Location/Address
200m upstream of Malin Bridge, Rivelin Valley, Sheffield S6 5FF
Type
Other site, structure or landscape
Assets that cannot fit any of the other categories. This category includes sites of archaeological interest, where the original form and function may not be apparent without the use of archaeological techniques and interpretation.
Description
Former water-powered forge and water management system. One of the Rivelin Waterpower Sites.
The forge itself is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, List Entry Number: 1004804.
The former workshop and stores (now Meeting and Exhibition rooms) are listed Grade II, List Entry Number: 1247411.
These designated assets do not include all the remains relating to waterpower at the site. The purpose of a local asset is to incorporate all non-designated elements and the collective group value of designated and non-designated assets.
Mousehole Forge and associated water management system are the remains of a water-powered forge dating from the 1620s (perhaps before). The main site now comprises the derelict remains of the forge complex, together with the house (still occupied) and a long, low building that was a workshop/store.
There were originally two lead mills (‘smelting houses’) and a farmhouse (part of the present house) that incorporated a small cutlery workshop. By 1664 the lead mill had been converted to an iron forge and by the end of the 18th century the forge was producing anvils, many of which were exported to the USA. Anvil making as an industry started at Mousehole Forge, which for over a century (possibly two), is thought to have been the only works of its kind in the world. It was the first to specialise in anvil making and to make any attempt at standardising the shapes of anvils used for different purposes.
Along with vice-legs and sledgehammers, anvils were made using water-powered hammers until 1933, when the forge closed. Some buildings were demolished in the 1940s and much of the site fell into ruin. The remnants of the former forge complex, along with parts of the surviving timber belly-helve hammer and a puddling furnace, are considered to be of national significance and are designated as Scheduled Ancient Monument (SY1284); the workshop range is Grade II listed. However, as yet, the rest of the site has no official designation
The water management system extends to the north-east and south-west of the site of the former mill buildings, feeding from and into the adjacent river. The block-stone weir is still in good condition. The drained mill dam is now well wooded. The massive stone blocks that are the remains of the overflow sluice can be seen by the side of the footpath. The tail goits are culverted under the path and flow into the river through arches in the river wall just above the Grogram weir.
Mousehole Forge is located on the north side of the river near to Malin Bridge, between Rivelin Valley Road and Stannington Road, across the river from the Fire Station. The main site is privately owned, but may be visited by appointment. The mill dam and adjacent land is owned by Sheffield City Council and there is open access – a public footpath (the Rivelin Nature Trail) passes the site and runs along the dam wall. The Trail can be accessed from various points along Rivelin Valley Road, or from the north (Stannington) side of the valley.
A marker post installed at the site by Rivelin Valley Conservation Group gives a brief history and links to a website where further information and pictures can be found.
Mousehole Forge is one of the 20 water-powered mills built in the Rivelin Valley. This sequence of Rivelin mills and mill dams forms an essential part of Sheffield’s heritage. They also have a broader national and even international significance in relation to the history of the Industrial Revolution in Sheffield.
Further information and pictures of Mousehole Forge and other sites in the Rivelin valley can be found at https://rivelinvalley.org.uk/rivelin-trails-2/. See also the books ‘Walking the Rivelin’, by Sue Shaw and Keith Kendall (6th edition, 2019, Rivelin Valley Conservation Group), ‘Water Power on the Sheffield Rivers’, by C. Ball, D. Crossley, N. Flavell (Editors), (2nd Edition (2006), South Yorkshire Industrial Society) and ‘Mousehole Forge’ by Postman, Hatfield & Hatfield (2003).
Statement of Significance
Age
Dating from the 1620s (perhaps before). Water-powered hammers were used until 1933, when the forge closed. Some buildings were demolished in the 1940s and much of the site fell into ruin.Rarity
This asset is an integral part of an especially rare system of waterpowered sites, described in more detail in the Rivelin Waterpower Sites asset. Anvil making as an industry started at Mousehole Forge, which for over a century (possibly two), is thought to have been the only works of its kind in the world. It was the first to specialise in anvil making and to make any attempt at standardising the shapes of anvils used for different purposes. Sites of this early date are particularly rare.Architectural and Artistic Interest
This site is one of a group that collectively and individually demonstrate the construction techniques and interrelationships of waterpowered sites, described in more detail in the Rivelin Waterpower Sites asset. The remnants of the former forge complex, along with parts of the surviving timber belly-helve hammer and a puddling furnace, are considered to be of national significance and are designated as Scheduled Ancient Monument (SY1284, List Entry Number 1004804); the workshop range (Meeting and Exhibition rooms) is Grade II listed (List Entry Number 1247411). The lack of national designation of the rest of the site, including the remains of the water management infrastructure used for almost all of the site's operational lifetime, overlooks the importance of the latter, without which there would have been no forge. They are of critical importance in understanding the significance of the site.Group Value
This site contributes to the significance of the Rivelin Waterpower Sites asset and to the waterpower sites on other rivers in the city, and is integral to an understanding of the role and impact of waterpower in Sheffield. Mousehole Forge and Grogram Wheel have additional group value, as the two were in common ownership and both were used for the manufacture of anvils. Air for the furnaces at the former was piped from the latter in the mid-19th century. The dispute over water supply between Walkley Bank Tilt and Mousehole Forge also creates group value.Historic Interest
This site is of historic interest in its illustration of the uses of waterpower, central to the reputation fame and identity of Sheffield; the many and varied uses for waterpower; the industrial development of the area; the impact of communications and topography; the lives and trades of working people; and the practice and policy of landowners, This is described in more detail in the Rivelin Waterpower Sites asset. Anvil making as an industry started at Mousehole Forge, which for over a century (possibly two), is thought to have been the only works of its kind in the world. It was the first to specialise in anvil making and to make any attempt at standardising the shapes of anvils used for different purposes. The remains of the water management infrastructure are of critical importance in understanding the significance of the site. As an especially early waterpowered site, it illustrates the emergence of the power source that was to define the historic importance of the area.Archaeological Interest
This site has the potential for underground remains that with further investigation could reveal their development over time, including changes of use and the evolution of industrial processes and construction techniques. Because the sites were not overtaken by later industrial development, any remains are likely to be relatively intact. Heritage Gateway NMR Excavation Index Results: https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?resourceID=304&uid=3512365 and https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?resourceID=304&uid=3517234.Landmark Status
The Rivelin Valley is an extremely popular leisure destination for local people, largely defined by its waterpower remains, including this site. As the site with many surviving buildings, this is a particularly visible and recognisable feature of the valley.Images and Documents
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Date Listed
15 Aug 2022
Last Updated
19 Apr 2022
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