Derwentcote Steel Furnace is a relic from the earliest days of the Industrial Revolution. It was built in the 1730s to convert wrought iron into steel using a process known as cementation. It is the last surviving furnace of its kind in the north-east and the only intact and complete example in the UK.
The building, which is managed by English Heritage, can only be viewed from the outside but it is a pretty woodland setting and worth the effort. It was in use until 1891 following which it fell into disrepair until restored by English Heritage a century later. The roof tiles are obviously recent but the walls, conical chimney and steel furnace door have great character and look like originals.
You can read more about the cementation steel making process on English Heritage’s website.
Opening Hours & Admission Charges
Open daily during daylight hours.
Closed 24-26 December and 1 January.
Admission to the grounds is free.
Although there is normally no access to the inside of the building, a sign outside says access can be arranged for groups by appointment, please call 0191 269 1200.
How To Get to Derwentcote Steel Furnace
The exact location is marked on this map (it’s actually in County Durham, not Northumberland, but still within the scope of this blog):
Address
Derwentcote Steel Furnace
Forge Lane, Hamsterley, Rowlands Gill NE17 7RS
Tel: 0191 261 1585
GPS: 54°54’11.3″N 1°47’53.2″W
54.903133, -1.798098
Parking
There is a carpark and picnic area a couple of minutes walk away on the opposite side of the A694 and is clearly signposted.
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