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Remains of 200 year-old Ironworks found under Yorkshire playing field

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Latest news in Yorkshire: August 27, 2018 10:08:17 AM

A recent archaeological dig, funded through the National Lottery at the
Milton Forge playing fields between Elsecar and Hoyland in South Yorkshire
has discovered a previously unknown part of the once famous Milton
Ironworks.

Over the last few weeks, professional archaeologists have worked with staff
from Barnsley Museums and the local community to find traces of the area’s
forgotten industrial past, as part of the Great Place Wentworth and Elsecar
project, with exciting results.

In the last few days of the dig, they uncovered the remains of a calcining
kiln – an oven for roasting iron ore before it was smelted in blast
furnaces. It’s thought that this was one of a series of kilns used at the
works, although their location was unknown.
Richard Jackson, principal archaeologist with ArcHeritage, said: “The dig
has been really exciting. The geophysics that Historic England did last year
showed a big magnetic response here, so we were interested to find out why
that was. We have been able to prove that the remains of the former
ironworks have survived, and the site was bigger than we first thought.”
The dig uncovered many other fascinating artefacts from the early 20th
century when the field was used as a tip. This included part of a
commemorative cup from the Belmont Social Club in Hoyland, and a workman’s
clay pipe from Broseley in Shropshire.
Another chance find was a rare stamped brick from a forgotten brickworks
close to the Milton Ironworks. The brick is now on display as part of the
‘Barnsley Brick Project’ exhibition at Experience Barnsley Museum and
Discovery centre.
During the dig, dozens of local people and school children came to help.
Many more visited the site to see what was going on and to share their
memories and stories of the area.

Councillor Roy Miller, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place, said: “The excavation
has provided a fantastic opportunity for the community to take part in
documenting an important piece of local history. We are passionate about
Barnsley’s heritage and the work carried out at Milton Ironworks is part of
an exciting programme of activities and events. Over the next few years, we
plan to document and share the amazing history of this region with visitors
and future generations.”
Dr. Tegwen Roberts, Project Officer for the Elsecar Heritage Action Zone,
supported by Historic England said: “It’s been a fantastic community effort.
The Milton Ironworks was originally a key part of the planned model
industrial development of Elsecar. Generations of local people worked here,
and it’s been great to see that people are rediscovering their connection
with the site and its history.”
The trenches have now been carefully back-filled to protect the
archaeological remains. The results will be presented at a public event at
Elsecar Heritage Centre later in the year.

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