In by-gone days, in its heyday, the Smiddy was at the centre of the village’s working and social life. It was much frequented by locals and visitors.
The smiddy remains at the heart of the village as a work-base for a rural craft and home to a heritage hub for the local community.
The Smiddy complex, as we see it today, reflects a huge amount of work in the last 25 years or so.
On site there are four main areas of interest:
The buildings
There are four main structures of historical interest: Cousland Smiddy (1700s), The Smith’s Cottage (1820s), the but ‘n’ ben (1740s), a lean-to workshop (1940s).
The organic allotments, paddock and orchard
What was once a derelict eyesore is now a productive and pleasant amenity space. At present there are 13 organic allotments in use by villagers, as well as a paddock, an orchard and areas for walking/general recreation.
Exhibitions and displays
The exhibition space within the cottage hosts an archive of the work and history of the blacksmiths of Cousland and the work of Cousland Smiddy Trust.
The wealth of nationally significant archaeological and historical information about the village of Cousland is also interpreted and displayed for the public.
Special Events
Watch our news page for details of the special demonstrations and activities we sometimes organise.
.
The smiddy remains at the heart of the village as a work-base for a rural craft and home to a heritage hub for the local community.
The Smiddy complex, as we see it today, reflects a huge amount of work in the last 25 years or so.
On site there are four main areas of interest:
The buildings
There are four main structures of historical interest: Cousland Smiddy (1700s), The Smith’s Cottage (1820s), the but ‘n’ ben (1740s), a lean-to workshop (1940s).
The organic allotments, paddock and orchard
What was once a derelict eyesore is now a productive and pleasant amenity space. At present there are 13 organic allotments in use by villagers, as well as a paddock, an orchard and areas for walking/general recreation.
Exhibitions and displays
The exhibition space within the cottage hosts an archive of the work and history of the blacksmiths of Cousland and the work of Cousland Smiddy Trust.
The wealth of nationally significant archaeological and historical information about the village of Cousland is also interpreted and displayed for the public.
Special Events
Watch our news page for details of the special demonstrations and activities we sometimes organise.
.