The mechanism the other side of the water wheel showing the pegged wheels for the trip hammers. A gear wheel that transmits drive via wheels and belts to other shafts.
Despite its name it has never been a foundry and is a forge with a carpenters shop. It is the only remaining working water powered forge in England. It used to make all manner or ironwork including edge tools, up to 400 items a day, they even had a farrier. The carpentry shop had sawmill and various powered machines, they made handles for the tools and various other things. The Finch family had their hands in all manner of things, even made coffins.
Part of the building collapsed in 1960 and with the new and cheaper manufacturing techniques it was never repaired. It was saved by a new Trust which got the building repaired and it was used as a museum until the National Trust took it over in 1994 and is well worth a visit.
