THE last water-powered forge in England celebrated its milestone 200th anniversary last weekend.

Finch Foundry in Sticklepath played host to demonstrations, games and activities for its anniversary on Saturday. As well as marking 200 years since the foundry was set up, the National Trust celebrated 20 years since taking over the mill.

Blacksmith Dave Denford performed demonstrations through the day, and there was also a variety of games for children and adults alike to enjoy.

The former cloth mill building was bought by William Finch in 1814.

He turned the building into a manufacturer mainly of edged tools for tin miners, farmers and agricultural workers living in the area. Though the business started small, the factory harnessed the power of the River Taw as William installed a ten foot waterwheel, and constructed a leat to carry water from the river.

In its heyday, more than 20 craftsmen worked at the forge, all highly skilled to ensure that Finch Foundry's tools were of the highest quality and the machinery ran smoothly.

The Finch family ran the forge for nearly 150 years, before they ceased production in 1960.

The Finch Foundry Trust was set up to preserve the building as a museum.

When the trust wound down, the National Trust stepped in to preserve the historic workshop and its equipment.