A 16th-17th century Forge is located at Hammer Mill, Biddenden. Thought to have been run by Sir Richard Baker from c.1570. The site was excavated between 1970 and 1972. Amongst the discoveries were the wheel pit, and the wheel stream. A timber shoring and floor was used along its length. Small finds included clay pipes, bowls, scattered bricks, tiles, round forge bottoms, cinder, and slag. The bay measured c.220 metres in length with a possible extension south to Hammer Wood. There was also a water system, dry pond and working area. The blast furnace slag may may be explained by the reference to a furnace in Sissinghurst in a will of 1591. It is unlikely to have been built long before this, for there is no mention of a furnace in 1583, nor in 1588-90, when Baker's furnace was clearly placed in Hawkhurst parish, presumably at Frith.