Finch Foundry is a historic water-powered forge situated in the picturesque village of Sticklepath, near Okehampton, Devon. This 19th-century foundry, which operated until 1960, showcases the industrial heritage of the region. The foundry's machinery, including its massive 14-foot wheel, is still intact, giving visitors a glimpse into the past. The site also features a museum displaying exhibits on the history of the foundry, the people who worked there, and the products they made.
Although this is a small trust site, this was probably one of my favorites. Beautiful little garden and mill. The Tour guide was brilliant, very informative and funny. Important to remember that the building and forge is accessible by guided your only.
Really interesting attraction. We had a guided tour around the site from a very knowledgeable gentleman and saw some of the equipment working. Picturesque setting and ample parking.
Great tour of finch foundry and its history. See the water wheels that powered it and learn about its owners and uses. Tour guide was very informative and great garden to relax in afterwards.
This is a National Trust Property and we visited it in Sunny conditions on a Friday. You will get dripped on occasionally. we were on a tour and right at the start our excellent guide addressed the naming 'Elephant in the Room'. Despite the original owners calling it a foundry it was, in fact, a forge. The tour started with the history of the family who set up the place, their clothing and the products made. We were then shown the whole process of how the forge would have operated. This included a description of how the three water-wheels were powered and close up views of the mechanisms. This involves being under the pool that powers the wheels which isn't entirely waterproof hence the occasional drips. Moving inside all the mechanisms were described and there were demonstrations of one of the tilt hammers, a drop hammer and a rather nasty looking metal cutter. Unfortunately they weren't able to demonstrate the large (1 ton plus) tilt hammer since apparently it can be heard from 2 miles away and shakes the building alarmingly. The tour finished in the sharpening room. This was a fascinating visit and well worth the time spent. On a practical note the entrance to the car park is narrow (2m) and it's worth getting a wide turn to make sure you go in straight.
The guided tour was fascinating, in a nice village setting (the tea shop across the road I highly recommended). Just be aware that the entry to the car park through the arch is narrow and gets more narrow.
If memory serves, I've been here four times. The first was a forced visit in the early 80s before the A30 bypassed Sticklepath and we were stuck in traffic (this was even before the NT took it under its wings). I was a bored teen but the waterwheel made a lasting impression. The 2nd visit was with my own kids but they were too small to remember but the tea shop made a bigger impression on me than perhaps it should (it was cold and wet so very inviting). My youngest remembered the 3rd (the hammer was lodged in her mind). Which brings me to today's visit when I suddenly remembered that the bloke giving us the tour was probably the same bloke who's been doing this for the last 30 years and wondered if he remembered return visitors? The cafe's now gone (Covid thing I believe) and the entry passageway is navigable in the Merc only if you tuck the wings in but just as all NT properties are, this one is small and perfectly formed. They need 140k for a new roof which is why everyone should join this venerable organisation so this wonderful forge-not-forge continues to educate, entertain and inform for decades to come.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Getting tickets in advance recommended
Good for kids
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Although this is a small trust site, this was probably one of my favorites. Beautiful little garden and mill. The Tour guide was brilliant, very informative and funny. Important to remember that the building and forge is accessible by guided your only.
Really interesting attraction. We had a guided tour around the site from a very knowledgeable gentleman and saw some of the equipment working. Picturesque setting and ample parking.
Great tour of finch foundry and its history. See the water wheels that powered it and learn about its owners and uses. Tour guide was very informative and great garden to relax in afterwards.
This is a National Trust Property and we visited it in Sunny conditions on a Friday. You will get dripped on occasionally. we were on a tour and right at the start our excellent guide addressed the naming 'Elephant in the Room'. Despite the original owners calling it a foundry it was, in fact, a forge. The tour started with the history of the family who set up the place, their clothing and the products made. We were then shown the whole process of how the forge would have operated. This included a description of how the three water-wheels were powered and close up views of the mechanisms. This involves being under the pool that powers the wheels which isn't entirely waterproof hence the occasional drips. Moving inside all the mechanisms were described and there were demonstrations of one of the tilt hammers, a drop hammer and a rather nasty looking metal cutter. Unfortunately they weren't able to demonstrate the large (1 ton plus) tilt hammer since apparently it can be heard from 2 miles away and shakes the building alarmingly. The tour finished in the sharpening room. This was a fascinating visit and well worth the time spent. On a practical note the entrance to the car park is narrow (2m) and it's worth getting a wide turn to make sure you go in straight.
The guided tour was fascinating, in a nice village setting (the tea shop across the road I highly recommended). Just be aware that the entry to the car park through the arch is narrow and gets more narrow.
If memory serves, I've been here four times. The first was a forced visit in the early 80s before the A30 bypassed Sticklepath and we were stuck in traffic (this was even before the NT took it under its wings). I was a bored teen but the waterwheel made a lasting impression. The 2nd visit was with my own kids but they were too small to remember but the tea shop made a bigger impression on me than perhaps it should (it was cold and wet so very inviting). My youngest remembered the 3rd (the hammer was lodged in her mind). Which brings me to today's visit when I suddenly remembered that the bloke giving us the tour was probably the same bloke who's been doing this for the last 30 years and wondered if he remembered return visitors? The cafe's now gone (Covid thing I believe) and the entry passageway is navigable in the Merc only if you tuck the wings in but just as all NT properties are, this one is small and perfectly formed. They need 140k for a new roof which is why everyone should join this venerable organisation so this wonderful forge-not-forge continues to educate, entertain and inform for decades to come.
