Blacksmiths ("Look in at the open door")

The Quinnells have been blacksmiths at Leatherhead’s Rowhurst Forge since 1932, and in Surrey’s wider landscape since the 1500s when they bought their first forge near Haslemere.

Lucy Quinnell has opened her house Rowhurst annually since Heritage Open Days began in 1994. Rowhurst is one of the oldest domestic buildings in Surrey, with three main sections dated pre-1346, 1346 and 1632.

This family lives and breathes the heritage craft of blacksmithing. ‘Smith’ is the single most common name in the UK, and it is an occupational name: metalsmiths were central figures in every medieval community, so a name that comes from Old English ‘smid’ (to hit or strike) occurred frequently. Blacksmiths today are a much rarer breed, but the surname endures to remind us all of the essential role the blacksmith once played.

This year Lucy shares her collected tales of blacksmiths and blacksmithing folklore, in the house where modern hungry blacksmiths re-fuel and the filthy work-clothes get washed. Glimpse the everyday lives of people who eat, sleep and work iron here. This is not re-enactment – it’s simple illumination of ordinary daily routines.

Lucy’s son Tom and their colleagues will be demonstrating blacksmithing techniques throughout; a rare chance to see live forging.

Expect a few surprises, including the story of a young woman so destitute and obscure that she ironically became one of Leatherhead’s most famous and extraordinary historic characters.

Timings

Friday 11 September:

1100-1600

Saturday 12 September:

1100-1600

Wednesday 16 September:

1100-1600

Thursday 17 September:

1100-1600

Friday 18 September:

1100-1600

Saturday 19 September:

1100-1600

Location & directions

Rowhurst Forge, Oxshott Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0EN

Directions:

Rowhurst is located at Fire & Iron Gallery immediately south of the M25 bridge on the B2430. SatNav may take you north of the M25, and KT22 0EG is often a better postcode when using SatNav. Fire & Iron Gallery is signposted with brown and white signs from the A244 and the B2430. There is a bus stop close to the end of our driveway.

Contact on day:

Lucy Quinnell and Tom Quinnell

Telephone number:

+441372386453

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Rowhurst is a Listed Building with steps and uneven pathways. There is a ramp to Fire & Iron Gallery and the forge is on one level. There is a superstore 200 metres to the south with an accessible toilet.

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