introducing the forge

Today I have taken ownership of the 'The Old Blacksmiths Shop' in Topcroft. It is essentially an old Victorian forge, where the local blacksmith would make and repair everyday household items out of wrought iron. It also served as a farrier to shoe horses.

Iron was effectively the plastic of the Victorian era, it was used as a key component in the manufacturing or production of everyday objects. At a local level each village had its own forge that served the local community. Many have collapsed after suffering neglect, others have been converted into dwellings, with a few retain their original function. I intend to restore the building to once again house metalwork, although it will not operate a functioning forge.

When renovating the forge I am aiming to use traditional techniques and materials wherever possible as well as locally skilled people when their services are required.

I intend to blog the renovation project on the forge to allow people to share my experience as I bring the building back from the verge of complete collapse.

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#lime #iron #brick