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Blacksmithing Returns to Scots Village for First Time in 150 Years
The forge will let visitors and newly-weds try blacksmithing and make keepsakes as the craft returns after more than 150 years.
- Joe Shevelan, a 24-year-old blacksmith, has opened a new forge at the Famous Blacksmiths Experience in Gretna Green, restoring the traditional craft to Scotland's wedding capital for the first time in more than 150 years.
- Blacksmithing historically defined the village until it vanished in the late 19th century as The Marriage Act of 1754 made Gretna Green a lucrative wedding destination, shifting the economy away from traditional trades.
- Shevelan, who trained for six years, guides visitors through traditional techniques, allowing them to create bespoke metalwork including souvenir coins and personalized heart keepsakes in the working forge.
- Michelle Henry, head of attractions at Gretna Green Ltd, described the forge as a 'full circle moment' for the family-run business since 1825, allowing couples to create unique mementos tied to their marriages.
- Shevelan said, "I think inspiring just one person to pick up the craft would be enough for me," aiming to ensure the traditional trade survives long beyond his own career.
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8 Articles
8 Articles
The Herald Scotland+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Blacksmithing returns to Scots village for first time in 150 years
A new forge will offer visitors the opportunity to experience the craft for themselves
·Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources8
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution86% Left
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources lean Left
86% Left
L 86%
14%
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