Springvale Furnaces
From Graces Guide
The first blast furnaces were in use at Springvale by about 1780
In the 1860s -1880s, six new blast furnaces were built. The iron produced from these furnaces was of good quality and the works was producing a large amount of iron. Alfred Hickman was one of the pioneer users of the Bessemer steelmaking process.
By 1882, in addition to iron-making, ball furnaces, puddling furnaces, and a considerable variety of mills were installed at the site.
In the early 1880s, 29,944 tons of iron were being produced at Spring Vale per year.
1897 The works was acquired by Alfred Hickman. At this time, the works was known as Springvale Furnaces Ltd. The three brick furnaces which were in use at this time were known locally as the 'Hot Holes'.
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