ABSTRACT
Woodland and forest covered the fells while beneath the surface of the fells were considerable deposits of haematite iron ore. The lakes provided fresh water, clay for furnace hearths and a means of transport. There were all the requirements for iron ore smelting, the location being dictated by logistical problems. It was preferable to take the iron ore to the charcoal supply because of the number of pack horse loads required: the ratio is about 1:30. Sites alongside the major lakes filled the water requirements. There is a large mound of bloomery slag visible from the roadside, but the hearth, or hearths, have not been identified or located. There is an interesting difference in characteristics of the slag remains. The site is first mentioned in the Furness Abbey records, the Furnace Coucher, in 1338 but it is likely that there had been smelting for some years previously.
