BLACKSMITHS from all over the country were at Finch Foundry, Sticklepath on Saturday to practise their art and celebrate their patron saint Saint Clement in the traditional manner which included the spectacular ‘firing of the anvil’.  

The day was a rare opportunity to gain an insight into this highly skilled craft and to see some of the country’s top craftsmen in competition. They were producing test pieces that were judged at the end of the day.

There was also a demonstration of the unique water-powered trip hammers in the foundry to help recreate the atmosphere of a Victorian working forge.

Ben Shapcott, Foundry manager said: ‘St Clement’s Day is the main highlight in our calendar at Finch Foundry.  It’s a fantastic opportunity to see and meet blacksmiths demonstrating their craft in such a unique historical setting.

‘This year we once again held “The Great Snail Race”. This is a competition in which the competing blacksmiths have to forge a Sticklepath snail in the shortest possible time.’