“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 a
nvil, 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.
%5B3%5D.jpg "Aug17 (36)")
Aside from what we would usually think of from a blacksmith shop with horseshoes and weapons, what did they make in the blacksmith shop of that era?
ReplyDeleteMost blacksmiths were not armorers. They were busy enough with wagon repairs and the making or repair of tools. They made hinges, hoes, chisels, nails and the like. Thanks for asking.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was visiting in July 2011, the blacksmith made me a scribe...which is basically a piece of metal with a sharpened point on one end. The scribe was used to write on stone or wood, since they did not have pencils like we do now. He made mine fancy by curving the other end into a hook so I could carry it on my belt. The hook is a leaf, complete with veins. It is a thing of beauty!
ReplyDelete