Llawr-y-glyn Smithy in the Museum of Welsh Life, 2004

Museum of Welsh Life, St. Fagans

This smithy was originally located in the village of Llawr-y-glyn, Montgomeryshire. It consisted of a shoeing area, the smithy itself, and a stable, which originally housed horses awaiting shoeing. The Llawr-y-glyn smithy ceased working in 1963.

Until the mid 20th century, every rural community depended heavily on its smithy. Horses were shod, household items made and mended, and metal tyres applied to wooden wagon wheels. Many blacksmiths manufactured ploughs and other farm implements as well as domestic utensils, tools and nails.

Text from: myweb.tiscali.co.uk/wfha2000/walespic/050123.htm#1