Image ID: 03707

The Forge or Smithy, Carlton on Trent, 1984

Courtesy of Reg Baker

Carlton on Trent
Carlton on Trent

The forge was originally built as a 4 bedroomed house in the 18th century, but was used as smithy and shoeing forge as early as 1764 when it was owned by the Cartwright family of Ossington, who in that year leased it to Joseph Pocklington. The last resident blacksmith in Carlton-on-Trent was Freddy Naylor who retired in 1935. During WW2, however, the forge was brought back to life to serve the Horse Guards who were stationed near the village. It is now a private residence. The inscription states as follows:- 'Gentlemen, as you pass by, upon this shoe pray cast an eye, If it be too straight I'll make it wider. I'll ease the horse and please the rider. If lame from shoeing as they often are, you may have them eased with the greatest care'. (There is something peculiar about this rhyme in that an almost identical rhyme can be seen by a huge horseshoe at Gonalston Forge. See NCCE001598)

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