Forge sold by NKDC

The historic Welbourn Forge is under new ownership.
Staunch supporter of heritage in the district, Coun Marion Brighton, with members of Welbourn Parish Council and the deeds for Welbourn Forge. EMN-170313-141838001Staunch supporter of heritage in the district, Coun Marion Brighton, with members of Welbourn Parish Council and the deeds for Welbourn Forge. EMN-170313-141838001
Staunch supporter of heritage in the district, Coun Marion Brighton, with members of Welbourn Parish Council and the deeds for Welbourn Forge. EMN-170313-141838001

The old forge and blacksmith’s workshop, dating from 1864, was bought by North Kesteven District Council in 1987 as a heritage asset, but after a review of sites, a deal has been struck to sell the forge to Welbourn Parish Council, with volunteers continuing to run the forge and host open days on the first Saturday morning of each month.

Coun Mike Gallagher, Deputy Leader of NKDC, said: “Welbourn Forge is a unique example of our heritage and means a lot to people. It is wonderful that the community will have more close involvement in how it is run.”

John Lucas, chairman of Welbourn Parish Council, saw it as a ‘unique opportunity’, saying: “We intend it to feature in the projected Ridges and Furrows Walk alongside several other historic sites in the village that illustrate our extensive and varied heritage. We also hope to inspire new blood in the art of blacksmithing and invite volunteers to join us.”

When NKDC bought the site, the council worked with the parish council and local volunteers with repairs, and cataloguing tools and stock.

In 2000 the fires were re-lit after more than 30 years for blacksmithing demonstrations. NKDC will continue to support and promote events.