| Title | Old Smithy |
| Date | c1900 |
| Location | Guiseley |
| Photo ID | F051 |
| Comment | The old smithy was a popular place for a warm and a gossip, the man in the image, Joseph Dunwell was a frequent visitor. He had been injured during the Boer War and didn’t work. Local people knew he could be found at the smithy and often took food there for him. |
M076 – Old Smithy, c1905.
Old Smithy – c1905
A line of men and children stand in front of the old smithy, the man in the doorway wearing a leather apron is possibly the blacksmith.
Joseph Dunwell is the old man now with a white beard and walking stick.
M104 – Old Smithy, c1905.
Old Smithy – c1905
The blacksmith and his workers outside the old smithy on Towngate.
To the right a poster advertises East Chevin Farm for sale.
E066 – Old Smithy, c1905.
Old Smithy – c1905
Men and boys gathered outside the Old Smithy in Towngate.
It was bought by Guiseley Council in 1907 to be demolished for road improvements.
A poem was written about the smithy in the 1930s by the Rev. Joseph C Booth, at that time in New York, USA, the first verse is:
“The Smithy as a landmark stood
In view of Guiseley’s Cross
T’was owned and run by old Jack Wood
With Arthur—-as his Boss”
The complete poem can be read in, ‘Round and About Aireborough’, Volume 1, (page 29) by Martin Rigg, MTD Rigg Publications 1988.
Consolidated by Jack Brayshaw. 01 May 2022.
Last updated: 18 December 2023 – Photo ID: M076.
