Gravendal

In the 18th century, many sought new ways to develop iron production. Sebastian Grave was one of those who thought outside the box. Why not build an ironworks in a forest that had not yet been cleared for charcoal production? This way, the ore could be transported to the site instead of the charcoal.
 
Sebastian Grave had a keen interest in mining science, which led him to travel throughout Värmland and Bergslagen in search of ore deposits. One day, he came into contact with a forest Finn named Rik-Mats, who lived in the wilderness west of Ludvika.
Rik-Mats was well-acquainted with the forest and knew what was needed for iron production. He told Sebastian about Skärsjön, which had an outlet where the river had a 30-meter drop—a perfect location for an ironworks, even though there wasn’t a nearby mine. The surrounding forest was untouched and could provide charcoal to fuel the furnaces. The water could power a sawmill, a grain mill, a forge hammer, and a nail and sheet metal workshop.
– “However,” said Rik-Mats, “the other forest Finns living here likely won’t welcome an ironworks in their vicinity. But if you promise to marry my daughter, I might be able to convince them.”
 
Sebastian Grave didn’t want to miss the opportunity to establish an ironworks in the forest, so he promised Rik-Mats he would marry his daughter.
True to his word, Rik-Mats spoke with his neighbors, and eventually, the forest Finns agreed to allow Sebastian Grave to build an ironworks, promising their support to the Mining College.
On December 13, 1721, he was granted permission, which stated: “A bar iron hammer with two hearths. A flattening hammer with two hearths. A tilting hammer and a nail hammer, with permission to purchase pig iron from Philipstad Bergslag.”
Later, an additional forge hammer workshop was built, called Stensmedjan, where bar iron was produced for export, particularly to England and America.
 
Rik-Mats kept his part of the bargain, but Sebastian Grave didn’t. Instead of marrying Rik-Mats’ daughter, he wed Anna Kristina Chennon.
According to legend, a furious Rik-Mats ambushed him. Although Sebastian survived the ambush, their friendship was irreparably damaged, resulting in several legal disputes that ultimately strained Sebastian’s finances.
 
However, Sebastian Grave managed to connect with a wealthy merchant from Gothenburg, Hans Olofsson Ström, who agreed to lend him money. They became business partners, envisioning the opportunity to establish multiple ironworks in the forest region. Over 11 years, they built ironworks in Gravendal, Fredriksberg, and Annefors, as well as blast furnaces in Strömsdal and Ulriksberg!
 

Facts
Ironworks established in 1720. The pig iron from Strömsdal’s blast furnace was forged into bar iron at Gravendal’s forge workshop. Later, an additional forge hammer workshop called Stensmedjan was constructed. It was demolished in the 1930s, but in 1987, the hammer was reconstructed along with a waterwheel and axle. In 2003, the newly built German hearth was inaugurated. The forge workshop operates during the summer, allowing visitors to experience traditional German-style forging. Gravendal’s forge was decommissioned in the early 1900s.
The site is signposted and can be visited independently. Guided tours are available at specific times during the summer.
 

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