U.K. and U.S., Blacksmiths and Related Trades Index, 1720-1940

Source Information

Ancestry.com. U.K. and U.S., Blacksmiths and Related Trades Index, 1720-1940 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2024.
Original data: The Blacksmiths Index. Compiled by Ann Spiro. https://blacksmiths.mygenwebs.com/index.php Accessed: Aug 2023.

About U.K. and U.S., Blacksmiths and Related Trades Index, 1720-1940

This collection contains an index of tradespersons who were employed between 1550 and 2023. Even though the year range is broad, this is not a comprehensive list, and the majority of the records present are from 1720-1940. While most records are for blacksmiths, you will also find a variety of other related trades represented in this collection. Records primarily cover tradespeople from the United Kingdom, but records of citizens from the Commonwealth and the United States are also included. All records are in English.

Using the collection

Records in the collection may include the following information:

  • Name
  • Birth year and place
  • Age
  • Trade
  • Other known occupations
  • Residence
  • Names of family members

    • You may find your female ancestors in this collection. Women weren't always credited, but they were present in the workforce. Names of wives and mothers are also likely to appear listed in their family member's biography. The collection also includes records of related trades. Other trades listed include:

  • Anchorsmiths
  • Boilermakers
  • Cartwrights and coachwrights
  • Convicts
  • Coopers
  • Coppersmiths and brass finishers
  • Coopers
  • Cutlers
  • Engine smiths
  • Farriers
  • Gunsmiths
  • Harness and saddle makers
  • Horologists
  • Locksmiths
  • Makers of agricultural implements
  • Makers of scientific, surgical, or musical instruments
  • Makers of bolts, nuts, nails, files, and other specialty hardware
  • Metalsmiths
  • Paupers, asylum, and workhouse dwellers
  • Plumbers and glaziers
  • Shipwrights
  • Wheelwrights

    • Records may also mention other occupations or specialties your family member may have had. Often, blacksmiths specialized in particular metal products. A blacksmith who manufactured horseshoes may also have been a farrier–specializing in trimming and shoeing horses' hooves.

    Collection in context

    The blacksmith trade helped define human history. Blacksmithing rose to prominence during the Medieval Period. As technology advanced, the need for metalwork increased. Blacksmiths began to form guilds, which trained blacksmiths while maintaining quality standards and regulating prices. Guilds were also responsible for creating the first blacksmithing records.

    Blacksmithing would again surge during the Industrial Revolution. Mechanization innovated the trade by replacing hand cranking and hammering. Blacksmiths were able to maintain higher temperatures due to new blast air technology. In turn, blacksmithing supported the Industrial Revolution by creating the durable components needed for machine manufacturing.

    As automated technology became more prevalent, the blacksmith trade became less common; however, it has seen a modern-day resurgence among artisans.

    Bibliography

    Appalachian Ironworks. "The History of Blacksmithing." Last Modified September 29, 2013. http://www.appalachian-ironworks.com/history_blacksmith/.

    Baldonado, Felix. "The Long, Hot History of Blacksmithing." CastMaster Elite. Last Modified January 11, 2023. https://castmastereliteshop.com/blogs/news/the-long-hot-history-of-blacksmithing-through-the-ages

    DragonFire Tools. "Tools of the Trade: A History of Blacksmithing." Last Modified January 9, 2017. https://dragonfiretools.com/tools-of-the-trade-a-history-of-blacksmithing/.

    Fischel, Christopher. "The Captivating History of Blacksmithing." Medium. Last Modified September 3, 2023. https://medium.com/@fisken66/the-captivating-history-of-blacksmithing-7e93705a9bcb.

    Kizina, Sarah. "Women in Trade and Manufacturing." Heinz History Center. Last Modified March 29, 2020. https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/blog/discover-meadowcroft-women-in-trade-and-manufacturing/.

    Working the Flame. "Medieval Blacksmith Daily Life." Last Modified November 1, 2019. https://workingtheflame.com/medieval-blacksmith-daily-life/.

    The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. "History." Accessed October 12, 2023. https://blacksmithscompany.co.uk/history/timeline//.