Blacksmithing

In the early days of Bridewell we established a traditional blacksmith's workshop that was initially used to make items for our garden such as archways and plant supports for ornamentals, brackets for hanging baskets, bracings for the fruit press and the wrought ironwork that runs the length of the Avenue.

In 2003 we secured a European Rural Redevelopment grant to pay for the employment of a full-time blacksmith for two years. The grant was awarded by West Oxfordshire District Council's Leader+ scheme and our blacksmith started with us in May 2003.

Our blacksmith's shop now has two old-fashioned forges, hand-operated bellows and a range of tools, mainly built up with donations from local forges that have closed and the Worshipful Company of Farriers.

We have built a mobile forge and we take this to country fairs, craft shows, schools and other community based organisations and projects.

Blacksmithing is proving to be an increasingly popular activity with our gardeners, the combination of manual and creative work having a significant therapeutic value.

In addition to making items for our own and gardeners' use, we have also started to take on a few small commissions that will bring in valuable funds for the future.