Quintessentially British: The Blacksmith

Happy Independence Day to all our American friends.
Did you know Smith is still the most common surname in Britain today? it isn't surprising, as nearly every village, hamlet, town and city would have had it's fair share of Smithys in the past, looking after all the shoeing of the agricultural and working horses. This is the rear of the old blacksmith's place in Stoneleigh. There have been Smiths in this village since the early 16oos but this building only dates back to 1851. It was still a working Blacksmith's shop until about 2004. Now, like this other Smithy that I posted last year, it sells stoves, chimneys, fireplaces and other associated wares.