The Bridge Inn at Upper Woodford is a marvellous place for a pint and the food is excellent but I now have an added reason to visit the pub.

A framed collection of photographs showing the village blacksmith takes pride of place as you walk through the front and this just happens to be my grandfather Len Moody.

Justly proud is my cousin Veronica Smith who donated the framed pictures and according to the staff at the pub, a good number of people have made enquiries – it seems the legacy left by our grandfather lives on!

In the 1900s no village was without a blacksmith and our grandfather, who lived at the aptly named ‘Anvil House’ in Middle Woodford, was the blacksmith from 1901 until 1964. Indeed, he was still cycling to work and back into his 70s!

Before the First World War he worked for Mr Charles Merchant - the Merchant family had owned the blacksmiths forge at Upper Woodford for generations. It still stands under the spreading chestnut trees just a stones throw from the Bridge Inn.

The work of a blacksmith not only involved shoeing horses which were obviously more numerous before the introduction of motor vehicles, but also included repairs to gates, forks and spades plus many other iron working tasks.

But it wasn’t all work and no play. Grandfather Moody was a keen gardener winning many prizes at the annual Woodford Flower Show and his love of football resulted in him forming the Woodford Football Club in 1902. He played for the club until 1922 then became the secretary for many years - he hardly ever missed a game.

He was also often on demand at weddings at Middle Woodford Church. Being a chimney sweep as well as a blacksmith meant the bride would get a double helping of good luck when kissed by him!

 

Get more Salisbury news

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.