Source:  Stantonian, Sep. 1928, pp. 161-2  ‘The early manufacture of pig iron in Derbyshire’, R. Sharp

Furnace at Dale probably 30’ high and not more than 3’ dia hearth, blown by 4 tuyeres.  No water power at Dale.  Blast engine of atmospheric type working on to leather bellows.

Burdening of furnace described in Pilkington’s book dated 1789:
Shot and ballast: 9 baskets ore
   4 coke
   2 limestone
Forge metal:  7 ironstone
   4 coke
   2 limestone
Soft metal for castings: 5½  ore
     4 coke
    1½ limestone

Tapping once in 18 hours, though on some works twice in 24 hours.  Cast consisted of 1 – 2 tons iron.  Seems to have been ‘a considerable interval’ between blowing out of furnaces at Dale and commencement of furnaces on present Old Works site (begun 1842)  (p. 161)

Ironstone derived from bellpits and open holes on Dale Moor (remains can still be seen) (p. 162).  Coal came from Shipley Colliery down the Nutbrook, some made into coke by covering it with earth and lighting it.  Limestone came from Cromford by canal, pig iron disposed of by canal.


Dale Industry