International Blacksmith Shop

“How did the Ozark Medieval Fortress outfit a Medieval blacksmith shop in modern day Arkansas?”  It wasn’t easy!  The French investors had the benefit of their past experience at the Guedelon castle in France and their extensive collection of Medieval smithy tools, supplies and wheeled-carts.  The anvil, brought from France, is a particular treasure.  The bellows were also brought from France and the forge was built with stone from the quarry on site in an authentic manner.  The sharpening stone was carved at the stone carving hut, again from rock on site.  The post vise, which came from my collection, was from an old Amish blacksmith who told me his family brought it from Germany.  At the start of the season, the hand tools were all from France, but in the nature of a blacksmith shop, more tools were made here. 

 

Be sure to visit the blacksmith shop while at the Ozark Medieval Fortress.  Guests get to watch the smith in action and direct specific questions to him.  As in Medieval times, our smithy is near the castle and an important part of castle life.