17th Century Forge Experience Day

2021

Please use the enquiry form below for further information

UPDATES TO FOLLOW SOON, VILLAGE HOPING TO OPEN LATER IN 2021

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in a 17th Century Forge?  No electricity, no modern equipmentLittle Woodham are offering a unique experience; a chance to spend a day working in the 17th Century coal forge with our village blacksmith, David Brightmore.    

A little different to a normal professional blacksmithing day, we hope this will appeal to the novice as well as a more experienced blacksmith. 

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The day will allow you the opportunity to learn age old techniques, some of which are no longer used in a modern forge.  Using period anvils including a rare old English fifth foot anvil, you will work in steel and more traditional wrought iron and produce reproduction ironwork to take home.

To enjoy the day you don’t need any prior knowledge of blacksmithing.  You will learn techniques such as how to bend, twist, draw out and shape the iron as well as identifying different temperatures will be explained in a relaxed and informal way to give you the best opportunity to get the most out of the day. 

Cost =  £130.00

Per attendee 

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Maximum of two experience day attendees in the forge.

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£65 deposit payable when booking. The remaining £65 to be paid 7 days prior to the experience day by bank transfer or cheque. 

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Spectators = no charge

(and most are welcome)

​​​Start Time   = 09:00   

​End time   = 17:00

The day will start at 9:00 with a brief safety chat after which you will prepare and light the fire using a flint and steel.  David will then show you around the forge and the tools and equipment that you’ll be using.  On a typical experience day you will start off making a hand forged square rose head nail.  Look carefully at a wooden beam in any old building and you’ll be sure to see this type of nail.  The great thing about making a nail is it will allow you to quickly become familiar with the old anvils, how hard/soft to hit the metal and to become familiar with the forge environment.  Then you'll make other period items, depending on your experience some items can take longer than you think, and remember it is quite physical work so it’s important to pace yourself.

Throughout the day there will be plenty of fresh coffee, tea, hot chocolate, snacks and water or juice, the only thing we can't provide is lunch so you'll need to bring your own, however you are more than welcome to cook your lunch over the forge.

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Although there are no age restrictions, I would recommend a minimum age of 16 purely due to the heavy work involved.

Dates available - 2020

March 2020

Sunday 15th         - Fully booked

Sunday 29th         -  Fully booked

April 2020

Sunday 5th     -  Fully booked

Sunday 19th   -  Fully booked

May 2020

Sunday 17th      -   Fully booked      

Sunday 31st    -    Fully booked

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June 2020

Sunday 14th   - Fully booked

July 2020

Sunday 26th  -  Fully booked       

September 2020

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Saturday 13th  - 1 Reserved

- 1 space booked

Sunday 27th   -   Fully booked

October 2020

Sunday 18th  - Fully booked

November 2020

Sunday 1st   -  Fully booked

Enquiry form

Have a look at the available dates,  choose which date you would like to book, then contact us using the enquiry form.

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Please include your name, the name pf the person that will be attending the forge day, and include an address to where the booking confirmation and information pack should be sent.

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On receipt of your enquiry, you will receive a reply detailing where to send the deposit in order to fully book the date.

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