The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths was incorporated by a prescription of Edward II in 1235. One of its main functions since inception has been to ensure that blacksmiths maintain a high quality in the work which they produce.

In the early years of the twentieth century, as part of this function, the Company introduced a series of qualifications which could be attained by blacksmiths having various degrees of skill.

The Company also maintains a Directory of professional, and some amateur, blacksmiths that members of the public may consult when seeking to place a commission. This Directory also enables anyone planning to become a blacksmith to find an experienced smith who may be prepared to take them on as an apprentice.

It is appreciated that blacksmiths retire and new practitioners enter the craft. The installation of this Directory on the internet, with the facility for blacksmiths to update their own details, means that the information can be more current than if presented in a printed form.

This Directory does not include all the blacksmiths in the United Kingdom and the Company would be pleased to add additional names. Any blacksmith wishing to be included is invited to contact the Administrator of the Craft Committee.