If you want to get your hands-on-heritage, hear anvils ringing out in an 18th century stables, and explore the ancient craft of blacksmithing, then Moneypenny’s Forge is the place for you. We have all the tools and equipment you will need, ranging from traditional coke forges, to modern gas and induction forges, tempering oven, power hammer etc.
Come-and-try forging sessions run every Saturday, all year round. Booking is essential. Here, beginners learn traditional techniques alongside our more advanced members. You can make objects including (but not limited to) hooks, pokers, bracelets, brackets, Viking style knives, bottle openers, toasting forks, flowers, triskeles, leaf keyrings etc. Private lessons are also available during the week, Tuesday – Friday (minimum 2 people).
As your skills progress, you can try our more advanced classes.
- High carbon steel blademaking. Forge your own unique blade from high carbon steel, learn how to anneal, harden and temper your steel. Grind and polish your blade, add a handle and leather sheath, then finally sharpen it and experience the great pleasure of using a tool that you have created yourself !
- Axe-making. Indulge your inner Viking ! Learn how to punch and drift an eye in steel, or try the more challenging wrapped axe style. Learn to forge-weld a high carbon steel cutting edge. Fit a wooden handle, sharpen the edge and add a leather sheath to finish.
- Damascus steel. Damascus, or pattern welded steel has been highly prized and sought after since the Middle Ages. You can learn how to make a billet from contrasting steels, then manipulate it by forging, grinding, twisting to form your own individual, unique pattern. The steel is then polished and acid-etched to finish.
Groups can book in during the week, Tuesday – Friday, as well as Saturdays. The forge is best-suited to 4 person groups, but we can accommodate up to 12 at a time. We offer one-off taster sessions, as well as 6 x once-a-week sessions. Groups can try any of the typical forge projects as above, or can work on shared group projects such as gates, signs, sculpture, garden obelisks etc. Reduced rates are available for Educational groups. Birthday parties, stag and hen parties, team building groups etc are all welcome.
For those who would like to visit the forge simply to watch, or to enjoy a demonstration of smithy skills, other options are available on request.
Walkers, cyclists and passersby are of course welcome to drop in at the forge anytime to see what is going on. You can look out for kingfishers at our picnic benches by the canal, or enjoy our dedicated Bee Garden, full of insect-friendly plants.
