Medieval Dacre

Fountains Abbey was established in 1132 and it is known that Dacre was under its control by 1145 remaining as a grange until the suppression of the abbey in 1539. The medieval settlement appears to have been centred initially on Dacre Top, a bit exposed on the ridge at 150 metres but a lttle more sheltered than the earlier settlements that were probably abandoned by this time. There are several references in the Abbey records to iron smelting at Dacre giving the distinct impression that it was an organised and important industrial location.

During the last ten years investigations by WEA and community archaeology groups have revealed extensive archaeological evidence of the monastic iron industry, including bloomery furnaces, charcoal clamp sites, ore roasting hearths and a widespread and complex water management system of Cistercian origin. These features confirm that there was considerable monastic investment in Dacre as an industrial centre.

The Iron-Age (Nidderdale) project will be investigating selected features in more depth over the next four years.

Medieval Culvert and Bank, Dacre Pasture