Chiselborough Forge
- A collection of historic photographs
Chiselborough Forge was started in 1932 by Harold Snellgrove. It was situated in Cat Street, opposite Warren Cottage. Harold, a blacksmith, and his brother Charlie, a wheelwright, worked at the forge until it closed in 1950. Harold’s son, Gordon Snellgrove, was also a blacksmith. After the forge closed commercially, Gordon worked at Merriott Nurseries, but continued to work for pleasure in his forge. Also he collected historical tools and other bygone farming and household items, and periodically in the 1990’s he hosted open days and demonstrations in aid of local charities.
Here we present a series of historic photographs of Gordon Snellgrove, his forge, his extraordinary tool collection, and some press clippings. Simply click on any image for a closer view.
With thanks to Michelle Trulock for originating the idea for this essay. Photographs of the forge by kind permission of June and Tony Perry. Reproduction of historic cuttings from The Visitor by kind permission of the The Visitor.
Gordon Snellgrove with his bygone tool collection
An enviable & fascinating collection of tools!
Tool collection in the Forge
Shepherd's Crooks made by Gordon Snellgrove
Tools in the Forge
1950's: demolishing Gordon's old forge
Rebuilding the new showroom for Gordon's bygone tool collection
Showroom created in 1990s for the tool collection
Photo and open day announcement in The Visitor, 1995
Photograph of Gordon in The Visitor, 1995
Western Gazette report for Gordon's Open Weekend, 1990's
—Simply click on any image for a closer view.
With thanks to Michelle Trulock for originating the idea for this essay. Photographs of the forge by kind permission of June and Tony Perry. Reproduction of historic cuttings from The Visitor by kind permission of the Editor of The Visitor.