Finch Foundry

Finch Foundry in Sticklepath is one of Devon’s most atmospheric industrial heritage sites, a rare survivor of the county’s once‑thriving edge‑tool industry. Run by the Finch family from the early 19th century, the foundry produced thousands of tools for farmers, builders and miners across Dartmoor and beyond. What makes it remarkable today is that its original water‑powered machinery still operates, offering visitors a vivid sense of Victorian engineering in action. Inside, you can watch the huge waterwheels drive massive hammers, grindstones and stamping machines—an impressive demonstration of how raw power was harnessed long before electricity. The rhythmic thud of the tilt hammer and the roar of the water channels create an immersive experience that feels both dramatic and authentic. The museum also displays finished tools, workshop benches and personal items belonging to the Finch family, revealing the skill and precision behind everyday implements. Exhibits explain how the foundry adapted over time, surviving fires, floods and changing markets until its closure in 1960.