VISITORS to Finch Foundry in Sticklepath on Saturday (November 18) could feel the heat of the forge as blacksmiths celebrated St Clement’s Day.

Every year, blacksmiths from all over the country go to Finch Foundry to celebrate St Clement, their patron saint and demonstrate their craft. They all take part in a competition to produce a particular piece of iron work in a set time, which is judged at the end of the day. There is also the Finch Foundry snail race, which takes place through the day — blacksmiths have to create a snail to a certain design as quickly as possible.

The blacksmiths start off by enjoying a forge breakfast before they get to work.

Traditionally the anvil is fired and throughout the day visitors are able to see the blacksmiths at work and making their competition pieces.

Pictures by James Bird.