The Old Devon Smithy

About

Sandwiched between the Clyst and Otter valleys, in glorious East Devon countryside, is a very late example of a rural smithy. It was constructed in the 1920's on the Exeter to Honiton road in the days when rural transport still relied on the heavy horse, which had to be re-shod every few weeks.

After the 2nd World War the blacksmith, J. R. Stephenson, had to adapt to survive and turned to making large wrought iron gates - as the motor car and welder replaced the heavy horse and forge. When work was short he created wrought iron work for the house, and judging from the wealth of heavy door and window furniture, the must have been frequent near the end.

The most startling feature of the Smithy is the wealth of sightless eyebrow windows winking at you from the roof - these allowed the smoke to escape when the forge fire was first lit. The eyes no longer weep, as the hearth has been replaced with a wood-burning stove.