In the period before 1910 there was a blacksmith's shop associated with a farmhouse on land adjoining Howell Farm on Valley Road. A person of great skill worked in the blacksmith shop. Blacksmiths had studied metal craft and could shape iron into tools, horseshoes and wagon-wheel rims.

The first thing you need for ironwork is a forge: a plateau with a sunken trough in which a coal fire is kept alight. The bottom of the trough contains a hole through which ash and slag can be discharged. Low down in the trough there are also holes through which oxygen is added, so that the fire remains hot, a bellow is used for this. A water trough is located next to the plateau. Nearby there is an anvil, a strong lump of iron with a flat surface and a round tapered point around which iron can be hammered.  A blacksmith uses hammers in all shapes and weights in order to forge hot iron into the required shape. A blacksmith also uses many different types of tongs for holding the hot iron. A blacksmith often forges the hammers and tongs he needs himself. Thick leather gloves are also necessary to protect your hands.