Lancashiresmedjan i Karlholmsbruk

About the museum

Karlholmsbruk was founded in 1727–1728 by Charles de Geer, who also owned Lövstabruk, and a blast furnace was moved from Lövsta to the new works. The works grew into a full-scale ironworks. Until 1879, iron was made with the traditional Walloon forging method (vallonsmide), but in 1880 almost the whole of the old Walloon forge was demolished and replaced by a new forge for Lancashire forging (lancashiresmide).

The new method meant that pig iron was refined on a hearth to become malleable iron. The forge first had three and later six Lancashire hearths, and new smiths, known as nysmeder (new smiths), were employed alongside the older gammelsmederna (old smiths). Operations continued until the early 1930s. The forge has since stood almost untouched and is today very well preserved both outside and inside, with nearly complete machinery.

The listed building also includes a mill and a weighhouse. The forge and the mill are owned by Tierp Municipality and have been extensively renovated. A steam hammer has been restored, and the Kultur- och Guidegruppen i Karlholmsbruk (Karlholmsbruk Culture and Guide Group) uses it during visits. In the works area there is also the schoolhouse from the 18th century, which serves as a school museum, the smiths' dwellings and the works church.

Highlights

• Lancashire hearths and complete machinery from the days of forging
• Steam hammer in operation during visits
• Mill and weighhouse within the same listed building
• School museum in the old schoolhouse from the 18th century

Permanent exhibition

• Lancashiresmedjan – The preserved forge with Lancashire hearths, machinery and a steam hammer, shown on guided works tours.

Operated by

Tierps kommun (ägare); visningar av Kultur- & Guidegruppen i Karlholmsbruk

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The forge is at Lancashirevägen 1 in Karlholmsbruk.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The forge is used for cultural events, for example concerts and performances.

Plan your visit