Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The old Eyzie forge, mentioned as one of the oldest in the Périgord since the 16th century, was originally a seigneurial installation. In the 18th century, it produced cast iron and hardware, before industrializing more with a furnace and a forge fire, reaching in 1811 a production of 600 quintals of wrought iron. Its activity reflected the importance of local forges in the regional economy, still largely artisanal but in the process of modernization.

In 1820, the forge was acquired by Festugière, owner of other metallurgical sites such as Forge-Neuve (Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac) and the forge d-Ans (on the Auvézère). Between 1828 and 1835, it expanded with a rolling hall, puddle ovens and an 11-metre blast furnace, marking its technical climax. However, the arrival of new industrial methods in the mid-19th century precipitated its decline: production ceased in 1868, sealing the fate of the traditional perigordine forges.

After its closure, the buildings underwent several conversions: distillery, kaolin grinding plant (until the 1940s), then dairy and showroom around 1955. Ranked a Historical Monument in 1986 for its facades, roofs, bief and waterfall, the forge now illustrates the evolution of steelmaking techniques and the adaptability of industrial sites throughout the eras. Its protected remains include the large hall, the workers' housing, and the forge master's house.

External links