Traditional canal skills come to life at Apperley Bridge

The Canal & River Trust welcomed visitors to a series of blacksmith’s forge demonstrations at Dobson’s Lock.

Thanks to Trust volunteer and former blacksmith David Wadsworth, and fellow volunteer Phil ‘bellow boy’ Bristow, the charity was able to reignite history and bring to life the traditional craft of blacksmithing, explaining the process from working hot metal on the anvil to finishing off with beeswax coating.

David Wadsworth demonstrated traditional blacksmiths skills (Image: Canal & Rivers Trust)

Nestled next to Dobson Staircase Locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the forge forms part of a larger, Grade II listed canal workshop. The forge has a fireplace, bellows and chimney, and is surrounded by original canal paraphernalia.

Dobson’s Lock is a staircase system of two locks on the canal at Apperley Bridge. In the early 1800s warehouses were built along the waterway to hold merchandise being transported along the busy canal. Lock gates and swing bridges were made onsite and the blacksmith’s workshop would have been essential for the successful operation and maintenance of life on the canal.

Canal & River Trust staff and volunteers were on hand to talk about volunteering and learning projects taking place along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal that people can get involved in, from horticulture to lock keeping.

The charity’s heritage advisors provided an insight into canal life 250 years ago and the challenges of looking after these fascinating historical structures.

Sharron Bright, community roots engagement co-ordinator at the Canal & River Trust, said: “Our charity cares for a remarkable network of historic waterways which are still working just as they were designed to 250 years ago.

“Repairing and maintaining these waterways is a painstaking task and our charity still employs centuries old skills and methods to maintain them.

“Getting involved in Heritage Open Days has been a great opportunity to showcase behind the scenes and we’ve really enjoyed bringing to life this amazing resource and explaining how people can help support this vital part of our industrial heritage now and look after it for future generations.”

The Canal & River Trust looks after 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England & Wales.

The charity - which believes waterways have the power to make a difference to people’s lives and that spending time by water can make us healthier and happier - brings communities together to make a difference to their local canals and rivers. * Visit canalrivertrust.org.uk