Traditional Blacksmithing Courses

'By hammer and hand all arts do stand.' Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths 1610

The Blacksmithing Experience ~ enjoy the embodiment of the thrill of the fire, the exciting dynamics of iron changing form under your hammer, the urgency of decisions and enjoy the friendly atmosphere with professional tuition by John Christian, AWCB. This course gives an introduction to this ancient craft that goes back in history over 2500 years. Blacksmithing is the kind of craft that is best learned by doing it, so get the iron hot, make the anvil ring, make something useful, and have fun.

On a typical three day course participants will learn:

While learning these processes of hand forged wrought iron, using traditional blacksmithing techniques, you will be able to produce items to take home, such as, a fire poker, a fire rake and a hanging basket bracket. This course in hand forged wrought iron provides a firm base on which to progress and build your future blacksmithing forgework skills. The blacksmithing courses are held in a converted barn here at Lower Boquio Farm and lunch is enjoyed in the farmhouse. If you are travelling a distance to the course and wish to stay locally we can supply a list of bed and breakfast establishments and local hotels.

Traditional Blacksmithing Course Fees

Course fees include personal tuition, all materials for practice and to make your wrought iron items, fuel, loan of all tools and equipment you need, lunch and refreshments.

You are asked to wear durable and fire resistant clothing and bring with you stout shoes to wear in the forge. Safety glasses and an apron will be provided. You will be expected to use these throughout your course.

Course booking information is available on the booking page.

Traditional Blacksmithing Course Dates

The courses run daily from 09:30 to 16:30.

Traditional Blacksmithing Course Testimonials

'He's knight o'war and lord o'love, and king o'a' the shire, man.' Anon: The Smith' s A Gallant Fireman

'I never thought we would make all the different things we did - and, all useful.' Meredith, Oxford   'Things I have read about for a long time I actually made in the forge, what a buzz' Alan from Shropshire   'John's teaching manner was great and the pace of the course wasn't too slow or too fast, and was just right to keep the brain stretched' Carla, France   'I came on a blacksmithing course, just to try something different but now I have to return for another.' Andy, Deptford