NHER 60147 (Monument record) - Site of Thornham Art Ironworks

Thornham Art Ironworks founded in 1887 by Mrs Edith Ames Hyde to provide evening activities and part time employment to the villagers. Joined by relative Mr Victor Ames, a skilled designer, the works became more and more noticed for its elaborate wares, which by 1894 included lamps, signs, gates, railings, balconies, fire screens and weathervanes. By 1899 there were 7 forges worked by 5 smiths, 2 bench hands and 4 apprentices. Later up to 24 people were employed there. Oak House was acquired to be used as a showroom and office for the works. The works supplied various products including gates and lamps to the Prince and Princess of Wales at Sandringham, the Countesses of Leicester and Warwick, as well as various items for Balmoral Castle, Brancaster Church, Thornham Church and the King's Head inn in Thornham. The ironworks made 3 gates on Royal commission for the Paris show of 1900 and were awarded a gold medal at the Brussels Exhibition in 1911. Many of the employees were eventually casualties of the First World War and Mrs Ames-Hyde herself died in 1914 whilst on a design research trip in Shanghai. These losses were a major blow to the firm and Mr Victor Ames closed it down in 1920. See (S1) for further details.
The site location mapped is open to revision. (previously mapped in error at the site of another Smithy site NHER 55289 south of the High Street).
W. Arnold (HES), 07 March 2011. Revised A. Yardy (HES), 04 August 2014.