RIDSDALE Ironworks has been given a grant of £8,600 from Historic England to prevent parts of the historical site collapsing.

The archaeological site, which lies alongside the A68 close to the River Rede, is currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register due to the structural instability of the engine house.

The remains of the ironworks illustrate the short-lived expansion of heavy industry into the north-west uplands of Northumberland in the early 19th century.

Iron from this furnace was used by Robert Stephenson to construct the High Level Bridge in Newcastle.

Historic England’s principal heritage at risk adviser for the North-East Kate Wilson said: “Ridsdale Ironworks has been a significant feature in the Redesdale landscape since the 1840s and is a visible reminder of its industrial past.

“Historic England is delighted to be working closely with the owners and the Revitalising Redesdale Partners to help preserve this remarkable site.”

The ironworks has also been earmarked as part of a substantial repair programme, planned to start in 2018, as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund- funded ‘Revitalising Redesdale’ Landscape Partnership Project.

A condition survey undertaken during the development of the project revealed that parts of the engine house are in imminent danger of collapse and will need immediate action to secure them in advance of the planned repair work.

HLF project delivery manager Lydia Speakman said: “The opportunity to secure Heritage Lottery funding for this site will help secure its long-term future and enable us to tell the story of iron-making in this remote corner of Northumberland.”