Wortley Top Forge Ghost Hunts

Welcome to Wortley Top Forge – an ancient location that dates back to the 17th century with tales of disembodied screams and menacing shadow figures that strike fear into staff and visitors alike!

Embark on a ghost hunt like no other at Wortley Top Forge in South Yorkshire, a location steeped in history and mystery. Join the Haunted Rooms Team for a thrilling night of ghost hunting, exploring the dark corners of this ancient forge that dates back to the mid-1600s.

Your adventure begins at 8.00 pm, with arrival time at 7.45 pm. The evening will begin with a brief history of Wortley Forge, a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Grade I) that celebrates the history of ironworking in Britain. You’ll then be guided through an induction and safety briefing, followed by an introduction to the night’s activities.

Together with our experienced investigators, you’ll engage in structured vigils using an array of different equipment and techniques. From dark shadowy figures to haunting screams, previous ghost hunters have witnessed incredible activity at this location. You’ll have the chance to explore the cottages, workshops, and all the most haunted areas after dark, guided by an experienced, friendly member of the Haunted Rooms team.

Staff who work at the building, as well as previous ghost hunters, have reported numerous ghostly experiences that have sent many of them running for the exit, never to return!

Some reports include:

• Shadowy Figures: Dark and mysterious figures have been seen lurking in the corners of the forge, appearing and disappearing without a trace.
• Cistercian Monks: Evidence suggests that Cistercian monks may have settled in this area as early as the 11th century, and their spiritual presence is still felt today.
• Poltergeist Activity: Objects moving on their own, unexplained noises, and haunting screams have been witnessed, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the location.

With such rich history and stories of paranormal activity, Wortley Top Forge offers an unforgettable ghost hunting experience.

Wortley Top Forge stands as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Grade I), a symbol of Britain’s rich ironworking history, especially in South Yorkshire. As the only surviving water-powered heavy wrought iron forge with its original water wheels and hammers now restored, it is a site of national importance.

Unlike the typical association of the Industrial Revolution with steam power, Wortley Top Forge made significant contributions using only the power of its three water wheels. Nestled in the Don Valley, with access to ironstone, coppiced timber for charcoal, and water power, it was a hub for iron-making since the 1300s. The location was ideal for iron-making, and the Forge’s construction was strategic, built before 1640 by Sir Francis Wortley in a loop of the river Don to maximize water availability.

The Forge was leased after the Civil War by the Spencer syndicate of Cannon Hall and dominated the iron industry in South Yorkshire for the next 100 years. In 1713, the Forge was extended by Matthew Wilson, who managed five works on this stretch of the river for his Spencer in-laws. In the 1740s, Matthew’s nephew John Cockshutt added the Tin Mill down the river, and from the 1760s, his son John Cockshutt II was making innovative changes, taking out patents and building the Forge’s original air pump in 1770.

A second son, James Cockshutt, was mentored early by John Smeaton, the celebrated civil engineer (who later sponsored his Fellowship of the Royal Society). James spent time in Wales and, in partnership with Richard Crawshay at Cyfarthfa Works near Merthyr Tydfil, was responsible for introducing Henry Cort’s puddling process for converting pig iron into wrought iron. In the 1790s, James returned to manage Wortley Forges and was the first to introduce Cort’s process in England.

The rich history of Wortley Forge, filled with innovation, strategic growth, and a unique approach to iron-making, makes it a fascinating destination. Its legacy continues to be a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the past, preserving a vital piece of Britain’s industrial heritage.

Join us for a true ghost hunting experience as we employ a range of methods and tools to communicate with the spirits that may linger here. Your evening includes:

• Exclusive Access: Explore the most haunted areas known for intense paranormal activity.
• Advanced Equipment: Utilize EMF Readers, Rem Pods, MEL Meters, Laser Grids, Thermal Imaging Cameras, Spirit Boxes, Trigger Objects, and more!
• Spiritual Techniques: Engage in Ouija Boards, Glass Divination, Table Tipping, Dowsing Rods, and Crystal Pendulums.
• Lone Vigils: For the bravest, the option to go ghost hunting alone in a room.
• Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly hosts will guide you through an authentic ghost hunting experience.
• Authenticity Guarantee: We stand against tricks or faking activity. Our goal is genuine exploration.
• Group Discussion: Share and discuss your findings with others at the end of the night.
• Refreshments: Enjoy hot and cold drinks throughout the event. Feel free to bring midnight snacks (not included).