Following last week’s exploration of old maps covering Lichfield, David Evans – top reader, article writer and local history buff – went exploring in Ye Olde City with a new camera. He thought Kate, from the essential Lichfield Lore, might be interested in his observations.
The Forge in Lombard Street. That's one old beam, there - wonder what the metal brace is for, fixed to it in the right-hand doorway? Great chimneys, too. Image expertly taken by David Evans. Looking good!
David mailed me the following with his photo:
Hi Bob
Street-walking around Lichfield this morning… [Really? – Bob] I think this is the smithy. It was Bates taxis yard in 1960sish. The faded red doors led to a big yard. The adjacent house, green door, is called The Forge. Possibly moved from across the road to give bigger space for the workshop long time ago? I may have more info in a few days …another mail to send.
Trying a new camera… no chapter on ‘guesswork’ fingers crossed!
cheers
David
Further, David sent me this, later on, a really interesting question, and one I’ve been pondering for several days.
I must have passed that doorway on countless occasions and not noticed the boot scrapers. Wow! Picture courtesy David Evans.
David added:
Lombard’s lost smithy set me thinking…..
No horses in the city anymore = no horse buns to clean = no need for boot scrapers…..
Only a few left now. There are some in Bore Street and just a few in Dam Street.
Another part of history disappearing!
cheers
David
This raises an interesting point. David is quite right, they’re a disappearing thing. Doesn’t the Cathedral have them? I know many rural churches do. Are there any other feature of architectural curiosity like this that are on the wane, or gone for good? I know [Howmuch] is fascinated by the sweeping access plates many chimneys have at their base. They certainly were’t universal, and only seems present on quite large houses. Are there any rope bell pulls left locally?
Your discussion and comment is welcome…