Mel, The late lamented Netherton Hall at Sweet Turf which you mention was originally part of Lord Dudley's estate and Dud Dudley his illegitimate son who Nigel mentioned lived there I think for a while in the 17th Century. Abraham Darby born at Woodsetton who Nigel also mentioned was I believe the ggnephew of Dud and carried on his pioneering work in iron smelting. As a child Abraham probably knew the old man. Nigel, Many thanks for the info on Noah Hingley, another great in the iron industry Regards, Neville