"The village smithy" by Lewis. The earliest smiths fashioned armour and weapons for squiresor found permanent work in the castles of the nobility, forging grilles, stout hinges and locks. In time their work expanded to serve the needs of a largely agricultural society, and the first workshops appeared in most villages – usually sited strategically in the centre of a village at a crossroads. It became the hub of the village, horses were shod, craftmen’s tools, farm implement and domestic necessities were manufactured and mended. It was also a popular place to get warm and exchange gossip.

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Size: 2310px × 3020px
Location: England
Photo credit: © De Luan / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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