Wortley Top Forge (2025)

Water-powered heavy iron forge whose history can be traced back to at least 1640. The site has been used for various processes but it is best known for the wrought iron railway axles that were hammer-welded between 1840 and the closing of the forge around 1910. A unique 1897 steam mill engine ‘Elizabeth’ is operated (on advertised days) in its purpose-built engine house. Also a large 1910 horizontal compound steam engine ‘George III’, rescued from Heckmondwike.