Blacksmith - Rodney Britton and Stuart Moran
A blacksmith, a skilled metalsmith, specialises in crafting objects primarily from wrought iron or steel, and occasionally from other metals, through the process of forging. Using a variety of tools, including hammers, anvils, and heat, blacksmiths manipulate metal by hammering, bending, and cutting it. Their creations encompass a wide range of items, including gates, grilles, railings, furniture, sculptures, tools, agricultural implements, decorative and religious artifacts, cooking utensils, and of course Horseshoes. Although various metalworking professions such as farriers, wheelwrights, and armorers exist, in the past, blacksmiths possessed a broad understanding of crafting and repairing a multitude of objects.
The workspace of a blacksmith can be called various names - a smithy, a forge, or simply a blacksmith's shop.
The workspace of a blacksmith can be called various names - a smithy, a forge, or simply a blacksmith's shop.
Rodney is a second generation Blacksmith (and Farrier) and has taken over the forge of his father in Blackhill. He got most of his practical skills from watching and helping his father on the job, but gained his Blacksmith and Farrier qualifications at Hereford and Ludlow College.
Today he mostly works as a farrier but maintains the forge for occasional jobs, making tools and assisting other Blacksmiths. On our visit Rodney was helping and advising Stuart Moran, a Blacksmith and Farrier from Whitley Bay who was preparing for an international competition as part of the England Team.
***Update - Stuart won both his events at the 2024 competition, helping England win overall ***
Although Rodney rarely competes today, in the past he competed as a pair with Stuart's father. Rodney's expertise is well known and valued and he now organises Farrier Competition such as the 2023 Northumberland County Show.
To check out Rodney's Facebook page - CLICK HERE