Swanley Heritage No 8 - Forges in or near Swanley (Update No 3 - 5 January 2012)

For centuries blacksmiths would have been a traditional feature of life in the Swanley Hills. I have found several references which are suggestive of former forges having existed in Swanley Village, Swanley and Crockenhill. At least two are thought to have been "lost" to forge work after the start of the motoring era - eventually to become garages offering motor service workshops.

Questions:

1. Did Hextable ever have a forge - perhaps in Home Hill?
2. When did the 'forge' at Stonehill Farm begin?
3. Are there any photographs etc of a forge in Swanley Village?

Old Forge Yard (Swanley Village)
Swanley Village's Old Forge Yard of Swanley Village Lane suggests that a working forge was situated there in the past. (It may still be there but no evidence is forthcoming!) A residence called Forge House exists nearby.

Brasted Forge (Brasted)
Although remote from Swanley the link describes another relatively modern blacksmith's forge in Kent . The website refers to the building company of R Durtnells and Sons having a blacksmith's shop. The company was established in 1591 and may well have had a blacksmith at that time.
http://www.brastedforge.co.uk/

Darenth Valley Forge (Eynesford)
Another modern forge is described at ther link below.
http://www.darenthvalleyforge.co.uk/history.html

Forge (Crockenhill)
There has been a forge in the Crockenhill area for about 200 years - firstly, in the village centre and later on Couch Farm. One family has had several generations of blacksmiths in or near the village.
 (See link http://www.curtismetalwork.co.uk/   )


Forge, Stonehill Farm
A building named "Forge" stands at or close to Stonehill Green / Farm. [More information is sought.]

Forge (Swanley Lane)
The now demolished building which was the home of Team Engineering Ltd is thought to have originally been used as a forge.