Addington Forge.

A rare example of a forge still working today, the Grade II listed building holds a significant place in the local history.  A living testament to the area's craftsmanship and industrial heritage. Records of a forge in this location date back to the 16th century, whilst the current building dates from 1740. The forge would have been the heart of village life, providing support and services to local farmers.

While the building is still owned by the Collins family (Jim, the son in E J Collins & Sons kindly posed for the project), the principal proprietor of the forge now is Ben Spicer.

A skilled artisan in his own right and possibly the last of a generation that see this skilled trade as a viable career. His ability to take uninspired lumps and strips of steel and iron and imbue them with life through heat is remarkable. It’s not quite lead into gold, but its pretty close to an alchemical bit of magic.
 

The following images are a celebration of the buildings past and, in this instance, the men who keep the traditions of Blacksmithing, metal working and ironmongery alive.