Editing Ashdown Forest (section)

==The iron industry of Ashdown Forest==
{{Main|The iron industry of Ashdown Forest}}

Ashdown Forest's iron industry flourished in the two eras when the [[Wealden iron industry|Weald]] was the main iron-producing region of Britain, namely in the first 200 years of the Roman period (1st to 3rd centuries AD) and in the Tudor period (late 15th and 16th centuries). Ashdown was favoured by the widespread presence of iron-ore, extensive woodlands for the production of charcoal, and deep, steep-sided valleys (locally known as ''ghylls'') that could be dammed to provide water power for furnaces and forges.

The forest is the site of Britain's first confirmed blast furnace, at Newbridge, which began operation in 1496.<ref>According to recent research, another blast furnace, at Queenstock near [[Buxted]], may have come into operation slightly earlier than the one at Newbridge, in 1490.</ref> [[Henry VII of England|Henry VII]] commissioned it for the production of heavy metalwork for gun carriages for his war against the Scots. Immigrants from Northern [[France]] brought with them the technology for a furnace that they would operate.<ref>Hodgkinson (2008) p. 63 et seq.</ref>

Spurred by the development of blast furnaces, the iron industry grew very rapidly during the 16th century and would become noted for the casting of cannons and cannonballs for the English navy. The celebrated ironmaster and gunfounder [[Ralf Hogge|Ralph Hogge]], who in 1543 made the first one-piece, cast-iron cannon in England at nearby [[Buxted]], drew his raw materials from the southern part of the forest. However, the huge demand for raw materials and fuel, particularly charcoal, heavily depleted Ashdown Forest's woodlands, causing much concern and prompting commissions of enquiry by the king. In due course coppice management was used to ensure a more sustainable supply.

In the 17th century the industry would die out as a result of competition from lower-cost iron-producing areas.