In 1671, Humphrey Jennens "did erect and build a furnace commonly called Kirkby Furnace, within the parish, precincts or territory of Kirkby and also severall other buildings thereunto neere adjoining for his agents, servants and workmen" (having previously arranged charcoal supply from Kirkby Wood). In 1693 2034 tons of unrefined cast iron standing at the furnace were sold by John Jennens. Possible traces of the furnace in fields of Meadow Farm, by the Erewash - drained beds of a mill leat and dam, moulds of sterile soil and cinders, patches or iron slag and ridges due to open-cast working of ironstone rakes. (1)
Various leases through C18, taken over by the Spencer Partnership. It was out of blast between 1750 and 1765 and had closed down by 1788. (2) (3)
Earthworks and spoil visible at above grid ref. (4)

<1> Thoroton Society, 1960, TTS, pp 44-46 (Published document). SNT374.

<2> Riden P, 1993, A Gazetteer of Charcoal-fired blast furnaces in GB in use since 1660 (Published document). SNT1694.

<3> Morley D, 1997, Corn and Cotton - Waterpower in Notts (draft), p 14 (Unpublished document). SNT1693.

<4> Bluesky International, 2009, Vertical Air photos (digital) (Unknown). SNT2583.