Anvil and leather aprons for sale as old smithy closes

3:01pm Wednesday 13th August 2008

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The doors will finally close on Saturday on generations of blacksmiths on the Shropshire border.

The fascinating contents of The Old Smithy at Kempton, near Lydbury North, go under the auctioneer's hammer.

Records show the smithy had been worked by blacksmiths since 1800, but it probably dates back much further.

Two generations of the Mold family ran the business until 2006 when the retirement of Ron Mold lead to closure. He had followed his father Harry into the business and kept the smithy going until he was 80.

Before that, three generations of the Partridge family had occupied the Kempton property since 1800. Much of the equipment used by them is still in the building and will be sold: "This is a fascinating sale," said Jim Mason of auctioneers Harry Ray & Co of Welshpool.

"The building is steeped in history and much of the equipment to be sold could well date back to the 19th century, including leather aprons, horseshoes and an anvil.

"Even the original blacksmith's bench will be sold, complete with vice."

Joy Windsor, daughter of Ron Mold, said the smithy had served the nearby Walcot Estate, but demand for work had long since disappeared.

Mr Mold's family originally took payment in produce, such as butter and eggs from the estate, Her father had kept the business open more or less as a hobby until two years before his death.

Shrophsire County Council has granted permission for the listed building to be developed as a house but have insisted the bellows and forge be retained.

The council say the building contains an incredible forge which is an integral part of Kempton's social history and must be preserved'.