MEET THE BLACKSMITH

Branscombe Forge was built in 1580 and is the last working thatch forge in the UK. Owned by the National Trust and run by Simon Hall AWCB, a third generation blacksmith who started blacksmithing at the age of nine. In 2014 he received a Certificate of merit and in 2017 a Diploma of merit both awarded by the Worshipful Company Of Blacksmiths. Since 2015 Simon has competed in the National championships picking up the following awards, Reserve National live forging champion 2015, National live forging champion in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and National Champion Blacksmith in 2019 and 2022 

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Working alongside Simon is his father Gary Hall who trained in the craft of blacksmithing at Salisbury college in the early 90's. During his training he also received a Certificate of merit and a Journeyman certificate from the Worshipful Company Of Blacksmiths.