Operated by Moira Furnace Museum Trust. An impressive iron-making blast furnace built by the Earl of Moira in 1804. Fully restored and houses a new industrial history exhibition. The site also features lime kilns, a woodland, a group of small workshops and a section of the restored Ashby Canal
Moira Furnace may be a survivor of the industrial revolution because it had only a short working life.
It all started in 1789 when Francis Rawdon Hastings, later the 2nd Earl of Moira, inherited land in the Ashby Woulds. His inheritance was a rural backwater used for hunting, fishing and grazing. Recognising the potential of the area's coal and iron ore deposits he soon began a programme of development.
Let the story of this unique building unfold. Learn how it was built to make iron, why it was a failure and why it remarkably survived. Find out what it was like to live in the furnace at the turn of the century.
Stand at the throat of the Furnace and see where the raw materials were tiped-in. Look closely - you will see where the bricks melted as the temperature overheated to 100 celcuis.
Discover the importance of the canal, tramways and railways that criss cross the area. From the chimney top take in the scenery. You are surrounded by the developing National Forest, but you will see how the close priximity of four collieries developed this industrial landsape.
Fishing is possible along the entire length of the canal preferably on the opposite bank to the towpath so as to avoid fishing tackle being placed in the way of walkers.
A day ticket costs £4, and an annual one £50. Tickets can be purchased from the Tea Room when open or money will be collected by the bailiff.
The fish that are in the canal are breen, roach and tench.
Matches - We can cope with several matches at once if they are situated in different areas as there is plenty of room along the bank. Please phone 01283 224667 or 07976 637858 for booking enquiries.
Furnace Lane, Moira DE12 6AT