About Us

Genesis

The Fussells Iron Industry Society grew out of the ‘Fussell Forum’, a discussion group which had its inaugural meeting, convened because of interest evident from personal communications, attendance at talks and lectures, and items in the media, in June 2000. The history and archaeology of the local edge tool industry formed the focal point with concern over the future of all the ironworks sites, principally but by no means exclusively the Lower Works at Mells. However, wider ramifications were immediately apparent, including the effects of the industry on the local community, family history (not only of the Fussells!), transport (roads, canals and railways), coal and iron mining, natural history, amenities and tourism, and the earlier history of iron working in the area. There was interest from individuals, both local and not-so-local, and from a number of organisations including museums, industrial archaeology bodies, natural history groups and, understandably at arm’s length, local government.

After a number of Forum gatherings, which included presentations on various topics and other activities including working groups, visits and guided walks, it was agreed on 22 May 2001 that the time had come to set up a formally constituted group, the Fussells Iron Industry Society., the first meeting of which was held in September 2001.

Since then the Society has held further well-attended meetings and organised a number of working parties at various sites. Research by members (and others) is being collated and exchanged. Artifacts including edge tools have been acquired and the long-term aim is to exhibit these together with models and other displays at a museum/library/study centre at one of the ironworks sites. The Society hopes to continue working with site owners and other local people and with local authorities and to collaborate in generatring funding for conservation and management of the ironworks sites and other features of value and interest in ‘Fussell Country’.