Page 22 • The HERALD • 13th July 2023 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v M. C. HALL LTD 4 Carpentry 4 Fencing 4 Decoration 4 Extensions 4 Kitchens 4 Loft Conversions 4 Bathrooms 4 New Build First Rate Building & Carpentry Work Start to Finish Service • References Available • Fully Insured • 1 year guarantee Free Quotations and Friendly Advice Given Contact: mchall126@btinternet.com or call 023 8089 8456 or 07976 937941 Website: www.mchallltd.co.uk A&D Morrison Builders Ltd FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS • Extensions • Renovations • Alterations • Groundworks • Roo ng • Drives & Patios 07768 599704 or 023 8194 8673 adlmorrison@sky.com Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Based in Dibden Purlieu • Cedral cladding Tel: 07885 413156 The Tale of Iron Mill Common – Part 2 by Robin Somes, Fawley and Blackfield Memories Previously, we mentioned the 17th-century ironworks at Langley; time now to look at the iron-making process itself. From records of ironworks in the Forest of Dean, we know the base, or hearth, of the furnace would be sandstone blocks, with the upper stories of brick, surrounded by rubble or sand in a larger structure. A furnace might be 15 feet high, and 6 feet in diameter, the mechanically-driven bellows up to 20 feet long. Once lled with successive layers of charcoal and ironstone, the furnace was lit and allowed to burn for a day or so, before air began to be forced through with bellows – powered either by the water mill, or by human e ort. It might take ten weeks or more for the furnace to reach su cient temperature to smelt the iron. More charcoal and ironstone was added, once the furnace had reached the correct temperature, to continue the operation as long as possible. What was never done, apparently, was to re-use the same hearth. “A hearth ordinarily, if made of good stone, will last forty weeks, during which time the fire is never let go hammered and drawn in a long process to make iron of the right consistency and properties. Some would have supplied the local smithies – there was one opposite what’s now the Langley Tavern, and another in Church Lane in Fawley. Other iron probably went to the shipbuilding site at Bucklers Hard, for all manner of ironwork, and some, even, for cannons for the Navy. Iron manufacture was seasonal, with most of the smelting and casting done in the winter, and delivery of the heavier iron products in summer, when local roads were more passable. Although the work was seasonal, the ironworks would have provided considerable local employment, when ancillary workers such as woodsmen, charcoal burners and carters are included. As well as depleting the woodlands all around, the operation of the ironworks was far from quiet; one writer in the 1850’s described how “… heavy forge hammers worked by water-power ceaselessly beating upon the iron, fill the neighbourhood round about day and night with continual noise”. Eventually, conditions changed; transport became easier, allowing ironworks to be larger and more centralised. e process became more industrialised, and used coke, rather than charcoal, and so smaller works closed down. e works at Iron Mill Common, like many others, were converted into corn mills, re-using at least some of the water-powered machinery, until those too were superseded. Now, all that remains is a name on an ancient map. out”, said an account from Sussex. Once the iron was smelted, it would then be forged; reheated in another set of furnaces, and beaten with mechanically-driven hammers, cooled, reheated, Diagram of a 17th century charcoal blast furnace. © Eggert, Gerald G. “The Iron Industry in Pennsylvania” EXBURY FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Chapterhouse is delighted to return to Exbury for the 2023 Exbury Festival of Music from Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th August. Following last year’s sell out event you will once again be able to experience live music in the beautiful surroundings of Exbury Gardens. Kicking o the festival will be 21st Century Queen on Thursday 24th August, 7.30pm, covering all acts performing today, UK Fleetwood Mac is the perfect homage to everyone’s favourite 70s rock band. Experience their enchanting vocals, earthy grooves, and dazzling live showmanship as they journey through the band’s greatest hits including Dreams, Everywhere, e Chain, and Go Your Own Way. Closing the festival will be a night of Motown by Moonlight on Saturday 26th August, 7.30pm. Get ready to relive the hits of America’s original dance music. Experience the magic of the Motorcity, the funk of Fame Studios, and the Southern Soul of Stax in a thrilling live performance with Capitol Motown and Soul Band. Motown by Moonlight combines the authentic energy of sensational vocals and polished musicians. Put on your dancing shoes as the sun goes down to the sound of young America and party to the timeless tunes of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, e Temptations, Marvin Gaye, e Four Tops and many more! Audiences are welcome to relax with a picnic, explore the selection of food and drink stalls, or lace up their dancing shoes and party the night away. Tickets are available for individual concerts or splurge on a festival pass and enjoy all three nights for less, please visit: www.seetickets.com or call 0871 220 0260. the Queen hits, from Bohemian Rhapsody to Under Pressure; you’ll be shouting ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ before you know it. Be transported back in time and dance the night away under the stars. With excellent vocals and live music, 21st Century Queen promise a highoctane evening of fun, friends, and good oldfashioned rock and roll! UK Fleetwood Mac follow on Friday 25th August, 7.30pm. Widely regarded as one of the best tribute
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