Chain Bridge Forge

Chain Bridge Forge Historic Blacksmith Workshop which has been preserved and developed into a living museum that includes an extensive online local history collection Mr.

History
Until recently, Spalding blacksmith’s workshop had, for many years, been in the ownership of the Dodd family. The business was started by George Dodd who came to Spalding from Newmarket in 1898. George’s son, James, was also a blacksmith. George and James’ income came principally from shoeing the many horses owned locally by farmers and brewers, as well as putting iron tyres on cart wheels

. The influence of these activities on the workshop can still be seen (see images, below). Geoffrey Dodd, (the previous owner and James’ son), still lives opposite the workshop and he spent much of his career as a blacksmith designing and building many of the floats that participated in Spalding’s flower parade during the 1960s and 1970s. He still has a large archive of material relating to this work. Dodd initially approached South Holland District Council (SHDC) in 1986 with a view to getting the authority involved as he was nearing retirement, had no son to follow him and the building was in a poor state of repair. Discussions continued for the next few years until SHDC purchased the workshop from him on September 20th 1988 for the nominal fee of £1. Chain Bridge Forge Chronology
• The building dates back to the early 1800’s
• 1826 White’s Directory shows Francis South as the Blacksmith
• 1850 – 60 accounts showing the Blacksmith was servicing the boats that used the port
• 1898 – The Dodd Family took ownership and were the last Harbour Master
• 3 generations of the Dodd family worked the forge
• Geoffrey Dodd the last Blacksmith sold it to South Holland District Council in 1989.
• Today we hope to create The Friends of Chain Bridge Forge conserve the artefacts and tell the story of this historic building and build an outreach programme which will involve schools and the community
The building and its significance
The building is thought to date from around 1800 and was purpose built as a blacksmith’s workshop. It is situated on the east bank of the River Welland about one mile from the town centre, only four metres away from the river itself. It has not been listed by English Heritage. It is approximately 12m 35cms long and 6m 35cms wide. It is subdivided internally into three spaces, the largest of which contains the forge and main work space. The floor is mainly of hard packed earth, with large pieces of stone and slate covering some areas

Join us on 7th June from 1:30 to 4:00 PM for an exclusive Crystal Pendant Workshop, hosted by Dee of Dee-zyn Jewellery! ...
01/06/2026

Join us on 7th June from 1:30 to 4:00 PM for an exclusive Crystal Pendant Workshop, hosted by Dee of Dee-zyn Jewellery! For just £32 per person, you’ll get hands-on guidance from an expert, plus all materials included. Create your own stunning crystal pendant that perfectly reflects your style. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to dive into jewellery making in a fun, supportive environment. Spaces are limited—book your spot today and start crafting something truly unique with Dee! Don’t miss out on this sparkling experience!
To book use
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GNJI

-zynJewellery &SouthHollandVoice

Now you can online book our courses
30/05/2026

Now you can online book our courses

Delivered by Dee from Dee-Zyn Jewellery All materials are included in the price, including the Crystal. But if you have a special one you would...

27/05/2026

Come to our workshop on the 7th June

27/05/2026
27/05/2026
Still space on our Jewellery Workshop
27/05/2026

Still space on our Jewellery Workshop

Our 3rd Workshop ready for booking. Don’t miss out.
25/05/2026

Our 3rd Workshop ready for booking. Don’t miss out.

Don’t miss out on our 3rd Workshop
25/05/2026

Don’t miss out on our 3rd Workshop

Our second workshop available book.
25/05/2026

Our second workshop available book.

Address

High Street
Spalding
PE111TX

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 10:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 4pm
Thursday 10:30am - 4pm
Friday 10:30am - 4pm
Saturday 10:30am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+447960587724

Website

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