Ancient furnace site goes on market
A piece of Shropshire containing the site of a medieval castle and what is claimed to be the oldest former charcoal blast furnace in the county has gone on the market with a guide price of £350,000.
The property, which includes pasture, paddocks and woodland, extends to 34 acres next to The Manor House at Shifnal - and is steeped in local history.
It contains the former charcoal blast furnace, dating back to 1564, as well as the remains of a medieval castle.
Paul Madeley, of Madeleys Chartered Surveyors who are conducting the sale, said: “The land is steeped in history, part of which is the site of the Manor Mill, which was occupied by the charcoal blast furnace.
“The remains of the two-acre post-medieval mill pond with its mill wheel pit are in the woodland to the north of the land and the mill race is still in existence dividing the land.
“The site also contains, to the east of the former mill site, the earthwork remains of a medieval castle.
“This was discovered as recently as 1987.”
Mr Madeley said the woods are also carpeted with bluebells in spring and describes it as a “little bit of Olde England” just to the south west of Shifnal, four miles from Telford.
It is believed the mill ceased to be used as a corn mill in the 1600s and the buildings were demolished in 1960.
The property now includes 23 acres of rolling well fenced pasture, mature deciduous woodland, a stream and a garage.
