Wortley Top Forge

The oldest surviving heavy iron forge in the world

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Wash house

We have recreated the 1900s wash-house.

The chimney has been rebuilt and a copper installed to heat the water. Wash day started at six o’clock on Monday morning when the fire was lit.

Water was ladled into a pair of peggy tubs for washing and then rinsing. There is a peggy and a posher  to hand. The copper stick (the peggy crosspiece) was the main handling tool in the hot water. Wet clothes would then pass through the mangle and finally hung out to dry.

Tuesday would be ironing day.

Friday was bath night (cleanest first).

Wortley Top Forge is administered by the South Yorkshire Trades Historical Trust. Registered charity no 1093233 · Log in