While the site was once a hub of experimental metallurgy, much of the original infrastructure and documentation has been lost. The current remains include rebuilt structures, often constructed on top of the older foundations. Despite restoration efforts by the Forestry Commission, the lack of detailed records means that little is definitively known about the original layout or the full scope of work conducted at the furnace.

avid Mushet senior built the
furnace in 1818 to produce iron direct from the blast furnace. His son Robert
carried out many experiments, using spiegeleisen, [mirror iron] a compound of
iron, manganese and carbon. He also experimented with tungsten, chromium,
manganese and titanium - the first of many high-speed tool steels. Today the
site has been restored by the Forestry Commission, but with a lack of original
plans and documentation, very little is known about the site and the work
carried out here. Also, there was much rebuilding on old foundations.