The lower Wye AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in partnership with Herefordshire Council between 2000 and 2003 were researching and enhancing archaeological features on the river Wye for presentation to the public and preservation.  They commissioned John van Laun Associates to record and advise on the important New Weir ironworks. 

There were two ironmaking sites, the older  was a forge by 1513 and a furnace by 1575.  It was defunct by 1717 due to the competition from coal sites and other factors.  Good remains of these important works survive.

 Samuel Ireland ‘Symonds Rocks Ec’ aquatint from ‘Picturesque Views on the River Wye’ 1797, 96 - 97