Clearing the forge

The last few years has taken its toll on this locally much loved and beautiful building. Years of neglect have culminated to the point whereby if nothing was done soon the building will collapse.

Mother nature had enveloped the building, with the roof supporting up to 8" of deposited soil. At an even greater depth is the ivy that had made the forge its home, as well as trees that were growing over the building.

Stripping the building was quantified in days not hours, eventually the building was delicately defoliated. Remarkably, the traditional Norfolk clay pantiles largely survived, with the combined efforts of the soil and foliage creating a cotton wool effect protecting the roof over the years. Unfortunately the brickwork and some of the woodwork did not fare so well, especially with many trees growing in close proximity.

Unfortunately some repairs were undertaken using 20th century materials which are wholly unsuitable for a 19th century property. For example the use of modern cement rather than traditional lime mortar. Fortunately the repairs have been very limited.