Monument MPM1562 - Former 16th century forge, Oyster Street

Substantial remains of a large 16th century forge revealed during excavations in Oyster Street in 1968-71. The forge had been constructed in a pit, with limestone blocks used for the walls and a base of large limestone slabs. It was rectangular in shape, measuring 3m x 2m and survived to a height of 90cm. Ash and clinker backfill in the base indicated that it had been fuelled by coal. It was not possible to determine the precise role of the forge, due to a lack of finds/process debris in the archaeological record. However, the limestone slabs which formed the base had been subjected to intense heat, suggesting it may represent the remains of an open-air smithy used for ironworking.

A topographical guide to Portsmouth dated 1891 claimed that the King's Forge during Edward VIs reign (1547-1553) was located in Oyster Street. It has therefore been suggested that this forge may be the remains of the 'King's Forge', and that it might have continued to be used as a private enterprise after Edward's death.

[1, p56-57]

<1> Fox, R & Barton, K, 1986, Excavations at Oyster Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, 1968-71 (Bibliographic reference). SPM34.