Newland Furnace Conservation Area

The Newland Furnace Conservation Area is located just under 1 mile north-east of Ulverston in Cumbria. The area centres on Newland Furnace which was established in 1747 and was active until 1891. It was one of the last operating charcoal-fired blast furnaces in Britain. As well as the furnace itself, the site includes a casting house, blowing house, bothy, charge house, and unique surviving Charcoal Storage Barns. It exemplifies an 18th-century industrial hamlet, including workers' housing, the blacking mill, and associated water management systems. The conservation area is surrounded by open spaces, with mature trees serving as a visually enriching background to the buildings, which are constructed from locally sourced, green Lakeland stone.

The conservation area was designated in 1991 and protects this important example of early industrial heritage, preserving the, architecture and technology of the 18th-century iron industry. The conservation area is overseen by Westmorland & Furness Council. The Newland Furnace Trust, a charity established in 1992, works to preserve the site and manage its restoration, including significant work by volunteers. The site is open to visitors during Heritage Open Days and by special arrangement.

Note: Map data from Westmorland and Furness Council c/o Open Data UK, under the Open Government Licence, imported into Google MyMaps, February 2026. Check with W&FC for amendments and updates.