Possibly 19th century or earlier forge, in the garden at Forge Cottage, Chelmsford Road (EHER 81775)

An outbuilding in the grounds of the Grade II listed Forge Cottage (EHER 39055) was identified during a heritage assessment as a possibly 19th century or earlier forge, known from historic maps as the smithy. A smithy is shown on the site throughout the 19th century and into the 20th century, and the site is labelled 'Old Forge', giving reason to suggest the smithy may have earlier origins, perhaps in the 17th century. The fabric of the present building, though sited in the location of the 19th century smithy, incorporates material which, beyond much doubt, formed part of the original structure. However, it is clear that much of the plan of the former forge, as it is shown in 1922, has been demolished and the present building no longer bares the 'T-shaped' arrangement of the earlier structure. The researchers note that it was not possible to verify if the present building conforms to any of the dimensions of the original building, which raises the possibility that the original forge may have been completely demolished when it ceased use in the 1930s, and that the present building may be a later construction. Certainly, the absence of evidence of an anvil or chimney makes it likely that the forge itself was taken down with the remainder of the building.

November 2018. Heritage assessment. Historic building recording was undertaken of an outbuilding at Forge Cottage (EHER 39055). The cartographic and historical evidence shows that a smithy occupied the site of the outbuilding (which is adjacent to the listed cottage) throughout the 19th century and into the first part of the 20th century. The name 'Old Forge' may be indicative that it was there in the 17th century or earlier, and this would be supported by the dating of the adjoining cottage. In the outbuilding there are timbers which are evidently old and, assuming that they are in their original position, they may support the view that the building is at least part of an original forge. But the evidence also points to significant interventions into the building. First, it is evident from the 1922 plan that much of the former forge was demolished – probably about half the floorspace. Second, the building materials and form of construction suggest changes in the 1920s or 30s when the forge finally ceased. The creasing tile cills are typical of this period. The piers at the front of the building may indicate the location of a double door, most likely for a domestic garage. Finally, the building has the overall appearance of having been re-roofed and heavily repaired. There are no obvious brickwork scars showing where the former 'T-shape' forge joined the current building, but inspection of the roof timbers was not possible because of the later plaster infill. Finally, it is not clear that the present building conforms to any of the dimensions of the original building, which at least raises the possibility of much greater intervention than simply demolition of part. Moreover, the absence of evidence of an anvil or chimney makes it likely that the forge itself was taken down with the remainder of the building. In the absence of building plans there must remain speculation into the history of the building; however, three matters can be stated with certainty: first, the building stands on the site of the old forge or smithy; second, it incorporates material which beyond much doubt formed part of the original structure; third, the building has suffered interventions which leave no visible clues as to its original purpose. <1>