Blacksmithing, Hawes: BU04713



Slaidburn Smithy: BU04739

The blacksmith was vital to the village economy when horses did the jobs that tractors, cars and lorries do today. The main part of his business would be farriery but he would also make and repair agricultural and industrial tools and household utensils.

Working conditions would be uncomfortable and dangerous, with a red-hot fireplace, sparks flying and the sound of hammers beating hot iron. It was obviously back breaking work and it did not pay well.

Blacksmiths Bellows: DCM0033

A smithy would often pass from father to son, but to become a blacksmith a young man would have to serve a seven-year apprenticeship.

In the twentieth century, with the decline of horse drawn vehicles, the number of blacksmiths decreased.

 

Blacksmith apprenticeship Indenture, 1889
 NYCRO1085

Blacksmiths account book, 1916
NYCRO1091