Dacre
This is the location of our principal fieldwork site where a detailed study is providing evidence of iron extraction, smelting and smithing from the Iron Age to the early 17th century.including Cistercian iron making during medieval Dacre's time as a grange of Fountains Abbey. A "Smelt House" was still in existence in 1611.
Darley
A country village with a number of recent successes in the Britain in Bloom competition Darley was a part of the Ancient Forest of Knaresborough. The River Nidd and Darley Beck are near and there is abundant evidence of water powered industry including Darley Mill with its water wheel and mill pond. Iron extraction and smelting were also local activities four centuries ago.
Blayshaw
This Cistercian bloomery has been investigated in collaboration with the Studfold Community Nature Group. There is evidence of bloomery hearths, slag, bell pits and water management features.
Blubberhouses
The Augustinian Friars of Bridlington Priory were granted rights to make iron in Blubberhouses in the 12th century and there is clear evidence in today's landscape of ore extraction and smelting.
Kirkby Overblow
It is well known that Kirkby Overblow is "The Church Town of the Ore Blowers" and there are records confirming that it was a centre of medieval iron smelting, there is, however little recorded archaeological evidence apart from some slag finds. Iron-Age (Nidderdale) is working at the invitation of the local history group to identify any existing features.
Spofforth
Spofforth was the main centre for the powerful Percy family in medieval times and it is recorded that iron was made there in the 13th century. Little else is known but recent discoveries by a local resident give some indications of possible sites.
Colsterdale
This little dale near Masham is included in the project because of medieval documentary evidence that seems to indicate iron extraction by Jervaulx Abbey. No archaeological evidence is known although there is abundant evidence of later coal mining.

Lamb Close, Wath
A recent discovery by the Nidderdale Chase Community Heritage Group. The initial sighting was a grass covered slag heap but other evidence is emerging of iron extraction and smelting.