When did the furnace at Horsehay come into blast successfully?
The furnace at Horsehay came into blast successfully on the 5th of May 1755. Abraham Darby II built this ironworks next to what is now known as Horsehay Pool.
Questions about Horsehay
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who was the main shareholder of the Coalbrookdale Company that funded the Horsehay ironworks?
Thomas Goldney III served as the main shareholder of the Coalbrookdale Company and offered financial help for this venture. Dawley provided mines to fuel the operation while the land supplied sufficient water for lease.
What does the name Horsehay mean and when did it originate?
The rough meaning of its name is an enclosure for horses with Hay added to indicate an enclosure of some sort. The origin of the name dates back to no earlier than 1759.
Which notable figures were born or lived in Horsehay during the 20th century?
Horsehay was the birthplace in 1913 of novelist Edith Pargeter who wrote under the pen name Ellis Peters. Country singer songwriter Raymond Froggatt lived there until his death in 2023 and television personality Paul Hendy used to live in one of the cottages round Horsehay Pool.
When was the Horsehay conservation area designated and what buildings are included?
Horsehay and Spring Village conservation area was designated in 1999 to protect listed buildings that preserve the historical character of the village. A post office remains open alongside a Methodist Chapel and a village hall within the protected zone.