Finch Foundry - National Trust

Finch Foundry - National Trust Finch Foundry is the last working water powered forge on the mainland UK. We welcome feedback – both positive and negative. It helps us to learn and grow.

Welcome to the official page for Finch Foundry National Trust.

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Tool of the week:Half Turn Hook. This tool is designed for use in trimming and coppicing. It is especially useful in lay...
04/09/2026

Tool of the week:

Half Turn Hook. This tool is designed for use in trimming and coppicing. It is especially useful in laying down hedges. The blade is fairly heavy and therefore capable of cutting 1-2 inch thick branches with ease. This particular blade is stamped Finch Bros and has a number 6 stamped on it to identify the catalogue position.

Come and have a look yourself at Finch Foundry, the last working water powered forge on the mainland UK. Guided tours only, and booking is recommended via https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/finch-foundry

There is much more to see at Finch Foundry, including a second hand bookshop. Genres range from romance to history, with...
02/09/2026

There is much more to see at Finch Foundry, including a second hand bookshop. Genres range from romance to history, with a different focus every month. The topic of the month for September is Vintage Science Fiction. Also, the bookshop contains a colouring station and dressing up for the young ones.

Book for a guided tour of the Foundry via https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/finch-foundry

Tool of the Week:Winged Turf Iron. Used in the lifting and paring of turf from peatlands across the country. Turf was a ...
28/08/2026

Tool of the Week:

Winged Turf Iron. Used in the lifting and paring of turf from peatlands across the country. Turf was a crucial part of the heating and energy systems of rural communities, providing a sustainable and renewable energy source. Turf was cut from the peatland and dried, then used as a fuel for heating homes and cooking.

See it and many other tools at Finch Foundry. Guided tours are available to book at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/finch-foundry

Tool of the Week:Hay Knife. Hay knives were some of the largest blades made on the site. These large knives were used to...
21/08/2026

Tool of the Week:

Hay Knife. Hay knives were some of the largest blades made on the site. These large knives were used to cut open compacted stacks of hay, which were left out in the fields over winter. There are two styles, a 'Cross Handle' which is depicted below, or a 'Straight Handle'.

Come to Finch Foundry to see them in person. Guided tours only, and booking is recommended at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/finch-foundry

19/08/2026

The launder at Finch Foundry can hold a whopping 35,000 litres of water. It allows the water to be brought above the wheels in order to turn them, as they are all overshot wheels. Don't worry about it over spilling though, as there is an overflow shoot which allows the water to go back into the leat and eventually back into the river.

Tool of the week:Mason's Zex. This funny looking blade was used in the construction industry. It was mainly used for cut...
14/08/2026

Tool of the week:

Mason's Zex. This funny looking blade was used in the construction industry. It was mainly used for cutting slate for roof tiles. The protrusion coming out the side had a few different uses, such as picking the holes in the slate tiles for the nails, or ramming the blade into the rafters to give you a solid base for the blade.

Come along to Finch Foundry to see it and loads more. Booking is recommended at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/finch-foundry

The blacksmith's anvil is generally made from wrought iron with a steel face. There is a square hole in the anvil, calle...
12/08/2026

The blacksmith's anvil is generally made from wrought iron with a steel face. There is a square hole in the anvil, called a Hardie Hole, in which cutting and forming tools are held. The small round hole near it is called a Pritchel Hole, used for punching holes. The height should be such that when the 'smith stands beside it, his knuckles will just reach its face. An average anvil will weigh between 150-200 pounds.

Tool of the Week:Devon Cleaver, used for cutting meat. The top blade by the tip of the cleaver is presumed  to be used f...
07/08/2026

Tool of the Week:

Devon Cleaver, used for cutting meat. The top blade by the tip of the cleaver is presumed to be used for splitting bone. The one in the collection has been stamped with 'I & J Finch', therefore indicating it was actually made on the site, during the time when Isaac and John Finch ran the business.

The larger trip hammer weighs about 1.5 tonnes. We don't run it anymore, but it is said you could hear it up to 2 miles ...
05/08/2026

The larger trip hammer weighs about 1.5 tonnes. We don't run it anymore, but it is said you could hear it up to 2 miles away. Unfortunately, the running of this hammer caused the building to collapse in 1960, bringing an end to the business.

See it in person at Finch Foundry. Book a guided tour at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/finch-foundry

Address

Sticklepath
Okehampton
EX202NW

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