Blacksmith’s bellows return to Churchill Forge after 60-year absence

After a 60-year absence and 270-mile round trip, a pair of blacksmith's bellows are back at Churchill Forge. Believed to date from the 19th century, the bellows were used to supply air to the fire in the blacksmith's hearth.

At Churchill Forge, iron was softened in the fire so it could be shaped into tools, such as forks, spades and ladles.

As electricity became available, blowers replaced bellows in many forges. This was true at Churchill but, with the threat of electricity interruption during the war, in 1944, Claude Bache, proprietor of the forge, had the bellows refurbished.

Being no longer required in the 1960s, the bellows were donated to Mr Howard's school museum in Valley Road, Lye. When the school closed, the bellows were left homeless and ended up being stored in a barn in Anglesey.

Churchill Forge Trust Ltd, which now cares for the forge, powered by its two waterwheels, has recovered and reinstated the bellows for visitors to see during summer open days.

For details, see churchillforge.org.uk.