Ep 7. A Medieval Blast Furnace, Oakamoor

In Time Team season 11, episode 7, titled "A Medieval Blast Furnace, Oakamoor," Tony Robinson and his team travel to the Staffordshire moorlands to investigate the remains of a medieval blast furnace. Located near the village of Oakamoor, these ruins indicate that a once-thriving iron industry once existed in the area.

The Time Team begins their investigation by talking to local experts and examining old maps of the area. They quickly learn that the blast furnace was likely in operation during the 16th and 17th centuries, and that it may have been owned by the Earl of Shrewsbury. With this information in hand, the team begins their excavation.

The first step is to clear away the thick vegetation that has grown up around the site. This is a difficult task, as much of the area is covered in dense underbrush and trees. However, the team perseveres, and soon the blast furnace is revealed in all its glory.

The furnace itself is a massive structure, made of brick and stone. It stands over 20 feet tall, and is filled with a mass of tangled metal debris. The team quickly realizes that this debris is the product of years of ironworking, and that it could hold important clues to the past.

To investigate further, the Time Team sets up a series of trenches around the furnace. These are excavated carefully, layer by layer, using a combination of hand tools and heavy machinery. The process is slow and methodical, but soon the team begins to uncover some interesting artifacts.

One of the most exciting finds is a series of metal slag samples. These are remnants of the ironworking process, and they contain important information about the techniques used and the materials available to the furnace workers. The team also uncovers several pieces of iron, including a horseshoe and a large iron bar.

As the excavation continues, the team begins to piece together a more complete picture of the furnace and its workers. They learn that the furnace was fueled by charcoal, which was produced in nearby woodlands. This charcoal was used to heat iron ore and produce molten iron, which was then shaped into a variety of useful objects.

However, the work was dangerous and difficult. The furnace workers would have had to toil for long hours in the hot and smoky environment, enduring high temperatures and poor ventilation. Despite these challenges, they produced high-quality iron that was used in everything from farm tools to weapons.

Overall, "A Medieval Blast Furnace, Oakamoor" is a fascinating look at a forgotten chapter in England's industrial history. With their trademark mix of humor and expertise, Tony Robinson and the Time Team take viewers on a journey of discovery, revealing the secrets of an ancient industry and its workers.