The Village Blacksmith at Work

PARTIALLY IDENTIFIED

A mystery from January 2025, solved by our community.

Blacksmithing was once a common and essential trade in Newbold Verdon, and we hold several photographs of blacksmiths at work without full details attached. We asked the community to channel their inner Sherlock Holmes and share any memories or stories of the blacksmiths who lived and worked here.

What the Community has told us

UPDATE MARCH 2026

Update: The community has offered two possible identifications for the blacksmith pictured, and some useful detective work has pinned down the location.

Several people recognised a strong family resemblance and identified him as Tommy Robotham. Tommy’s son, Ralph Robotham, married Winifred (Winnie) Frearson. The Robotham forge was remembered as being on Church Street, with its large double doors still visible just past where Vernon’s Farm once stood.

Separately, the photograph itself was traced to 10 Main Street — a current resident confirmed that part of the original forge still survives inside the house, and that a bricked-up doorway from the old building was uncovered when insulation was installed. Historic paperwork was shared with the owners showing how the property had changed hands over the generations, including records of very large families living there.

Against this location, other commenters identified the blacksmith as Douglas (“Dougie”) Partridge, remembered with great affection by family and neighbours for his good humour, his willingness to let children pump the forge bellows, and the ingenious items he crafted from old horseshoes.

It’s possible the forge at 10 Main Street had more than one blacksmith over the years, and that Tommy Robotham and Dougie Partridge both worked there at different times — but we can’t be certain, so we’re recording both identifications here rather than picking one.

With thanks to members of the Robotham, Frearson and Partridge families, and other followers of our Facebook page, for their memories and family history.