Friends of Wincobank Hill: May 2013

Welcome ! This is a blog for people who want to be a friend of Wincobank Hill, for those who are fascinated, curious or concerned about the unique hill fort set high above Sheffield's Don Valley, encircled by ancient woodland that conceals the mysteries of history.

Who was here and why? Did they live, work or keep watch here? What part did this place play in the politics of an emerging nation? Was this the cradle of the British metal industry? And where was the water?

So many people are beginning to retell their stories, ask good questions and make suggestions that it's time to share what is happening ....

Sunday, 12 May 2013

Making iron the Iron Age Way

In April 2013, as part of the Woolley Woods Bluebell Festival, local people were offered the chance to take part in a two-day Ancient Metallurgy course, learning how our early ancesters may have made iron. Scroll down to see how plenty of mud, straw, iron ore, charcoal, muscle power to pump the giant bellows and a lot of patience produced results and smiles all round.