Sticklepath Finch Foundry St Clements Day

Finch Foundry is the last working water-powered forge in England and it belongs to the National Trust, using water from the River Taw to power all the machinery. Every year on a Saturday near to St Clement’s Day, blacksmiths from around the country converge on the forge to demonstrate their skills, as St Clement is the patron Saint of blacksmiths and his feast day is celebrated on November 23rd. All through the day there will be demonstrations of the smiths’ art and competitions between the craftsmen; part of the tradition is the firing of the anvil at intervals throughout the day, in which black powder is detonated on the anvil to test its strength. The Snail Race is a competition in which the smiths must produce either the fastest-made or most skilfully crafted snail- the winner receives a trophy for the year. There is also entertainment from singers and morris dancers through the day.

Helpful Hints

In 2024 it should be on Saturday 23rd November. Entry is free on the day. Food & drink are available very nearby (nice pasties from the village shop). There is a small car park on-site with a height restriction and narrow access, or parking on-street nearby.

The foundry is open to visitors for much of the year (see National Trust website for admission times and prices).

Click here for the National Trust entry for the property:https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/finch-foundry