About WIRG

The Wealden Iron Research Group (WIRG) was founded to focus and initiate research into the extinct iron industry of the Sussex, Kent and Surrey Weald, and aims to foster interest in this subject, to work with other groups and institutions having allied aims and, above all, to publish its researches. In its annual bulletin, Wealden Iron, can be seen the results of this work, together with articles by historians and archaeologists on different aspects of the industry. The group also publishes a twice-yearly Newsletter for its members. One of the original aims of WIRG, to publish a new survey of the industry, has resulted in the new standard reference on the subject, The Iron Industry of the Weald, by Henry Cleere and David Crossley, first published in 1985 and now in its second edition, which contains much of WIRG's research over the past thirty-five years. In 1981, the group won the BBC's Chronicle Award for Archaeology.

Although WIRG is predominantly a loose association of individuals who pursue their own interests and researches, it does have active sections which engage in particular activities. Its Field Group organises a monthly programme of fieldwork between October and April, looking for undiscovered sites, surveying, and carrying out small-scale excavations. Meeting on Saturdays, the forays, as they are called, take place all over the Weald, and a number of projects are in progress (see programme and short Video. One of these is the systematic field walking of an area of the Weald to record all the iron-making sites there. Another group within WIRG undertakes experimental iron smelting at a primitive bloomery furnace on Ashdown Forest, attempting to replicate the products and waste materials of the Iron Age, Roman and medieval iron makers. Members assisted in an experimental smelt for one of the Time Team's broadcasts. The group holds two meetings a year, in January/February and in July, with visiting speakers. The summer meeting also includes a site visit. In addition, the group advises archaeological units where iron-related material is being excavated, and has provided information for several television and radio programmes. Some of WIRG's members are regular lecturers to local societies, and have run adult education courses on the industry.

WIRG is managed by a committee, which is elected annually at its summer meeting, and which administers the Tebbutt Research Fund, awarding small grants towards research into the Wealden iron industry. For details of this fund, and of membership of the group, which at present numbers about 170, see below.

Research Enquiries

Those with research interests in the Wealden iron industry are advised, in the first instance, to consult the standard reference work, The Iron Industry of the Weald.

More specific research enquiries may be directed to the Vice-Chairman, Jeremy Hodgkinson

An older standard work is 'Wealden Iron', by Ernest Straker, originally published in 1931. Although inaccurate in some respects and largely superceded by 'The Iron Industry of the Weald', its gazetteer is still useful. The full text and illustrations of 'Wealden Iron' can be viewed here. The earliest pubilcation on the industry is the monograph 'The historical geography of the Wealden iron industry' by Mary Cecilia Delany, pub. 1921, which can also be read online here.

Tebbutt Research Fund

A research fund, set up in memory of Fred Tebbutt, first President of WIRG, exists to aid research into the iron industry of the Weald. Applications are invited for grants, which do not usually exceed £100 a year. The closing date is the 31st March each year. For further details contact the Hon. Secretary, David Brown.

How to join WIRG

Membership of WIRG is open to individuals, families and institutions, students and those of pensionable age, and includes a bi-annual Newsletter and the Wealden Iron Bulletin. Activities include a Field Group, which organises a programme of fieldwork in the autumn and winter, bi-annual meetings with visiting speakers, small-scale excavations, and a variety of other projects undertaken by its members. WIRG administers the Tebbutt Research Fund which awards small grants towards research into the Wealden iron industry.

The current subscription rates in Sterling are:

You may find out more by emailing David Brown.

Download an application form in PDF format by clicking HERE. Complete and post it to The Hon. Secretary WIRG, 2 West Street Farm Cottages, Maynards Green, HEATHFIELD, Sussex, TN21 0DG, with your cheque made payable (in sterling) to Wealden Iron Research Group. If you pay tax, you may wish to complete a Gift Aid form to help the Group reclaim your tax.