Nail making was an important trade in this area from the 18th century onwards but the trade began to decline in the 1830s and 40s as machine made nails competed with the local handmade produce. This competition encouraged local producers to diversify and make other iron objects (Taylor 1994,107). The excelsior Works was first depicted on 1906 maps as a Chaplet, Gas and Water Hook manufacturer. The building survived until the 1960s. Within this polygon is the surviving Oakley House which was contemporary with the works and probably was the residence of the factory owner. This building survives giving fragmentary legibility of the former site.