The British Blacksmith

The British Blacksmith Central New York Blacksmithing School. We offer classes and blacksmithing experiences for all levels Mark
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I am an artist blacksmith and I came to America about 25 years ago from Britain. I use traditional blacksmithing methods as well as modern techniques to form unique pieces of functional art. My original forge was called Westshore Forge in case you knew me then! I have taught a wide range of subjects for more than 25 years as a teacher, college professor, and artist. I thoroughly enjoy teaching bla

cksmithing to new and experienced people of all ages. It is exciting to see the look on someones face when the metal moves in different ways and the ease with which you can transform something some hard and lifeless into beautiful shapes. I teach small classes where you will get individual attention and be abel to forge your own items. From simple hooks to complicated multi-piece forgings, I am happy to help you get to your dream projects. My introductory courses are three hours long and it’s all about having a good time and making something to take home and show your family and friends. I am a proud member of the New York State Designer Blacksmiths (NYSDB), the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA) and the British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA). Thanks for stopping by and please let me know if you would like me to forge you something special for your home. Or if you would like to take a class and learn how to forge red hot steel.

08/31/2026

Working in the historic forge at the New York State Fair

08/12/2026

Forging parts for different projects with other blacksmiths is a great way to spend a day

08/05/2026

Bill forging at the Steam Pageant. See you at the forge near Main Street

08/04/2026

Workshop sounds prototyping a dustpan

07/28/2026

Finishing off a skillet

06/11/2026
Fun evening meeting Cub Scout Pack 152
06/06/2026

Fun evening meeting Cub Scout Pack 152

The important role of the blacksmith
05/03/2026

The important role of the blacksmith

FORGING FREEDOM: THE BLACKSMITHS & ARTIFICERS WHO ARMED THE WINTER CAMP

When Washington’s army reached Valley Forge in December 1777, it was half-frozen, poorly equipped, and nearly unarmed for a new campaign. Muskets lacked bayonets; wagon wheels split in the cold; iron nails, hinges, and shoes were as precious as powder. To survive, the army needed craftsmen. Within weeks, the sound of hammers on iron echoed through the frozen hills.

In forges kindled from ruined mills and hastily built sheds, blacksmiths and artificers turned raw ore, scrap, and ingenuity into the tools of endurance. They were not soldiers of glory but of necessity— the mechanics who kept an army alive long enough to win a nation.

The Continental Army formally organized skilled tradesmen into artificer companies in early 1777. Washington’s General Orders of January 16, 1777, called for carpenters, wheelwrights, armorers, farriers, and smiths to assist the Commissary and Ordnance Departments.

By the time of Valley Forge, artificers worked under the Quartermaster General and Chief of Artillery Henry Knox, headquartered at the Potts ironmaster’s house— today’s Knox Quarters. They repaired muskets and gun carriages, forged nails for huts, and shod thousands of horses and oxen. Private Joseph Plumb Martin later remembered the “constant tink of hammers” in camp— proof that the Revolution was as much industrial as martial.

For more on this story, visit the Muster Roll website and its 250th essays: https://valleyforgemusterroll.org/america-250-essays-new/

Was your ancestor at the Encampment at Valley Forge? While you’re on the Muster Roll site, be sure to search!

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Photo: Jeff Menaker

Address

8477 Pools Brook Road
Kirkville, NY
13082

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