Edward Blagden
Edward Blagden


Edward Blagden, known as Ted, was born in 1879 at West Lavington one of 14 children. He went to live with his aunt in Bratton where her husband kept the forge, so Ted helped in the forge and went to the village school. His aunt was very strict so he lied about his age and ran away to join the army. Because of his experience at the forge he joined the Royal Artillery as a farrier.
He played a full part in the village life. On his return from the army he was in the village band, the church choir, the parish council and he was a special constable. The village forge was in Stradbrook, at the junction with Church Road, and has since been converted into three garages.
Ted allowed the children to watch him at work; he made hoops for them to use in the square, and in those days there were no cars to worry about.
During his lifetime he saw active service in three wars, he was awarded ten medals ranging from the Queen’s South African Medal, the 1939 – 45 Star, to the Meritorious Service Medal.
He was a loving grandfather, spoiling his grandchildren with digestive biscuits. He remained a strong and proud man until his death in 1977 at the age of 98.


This is an evocative memoir of the smithy that once operated in Stradbrook at the bottom of Church Road, and in particular of Edward Blagden, blacksmith in the years before the Second World War, when horse-drawn vehicles were still an important aspect of local transport.

Download The Village Blacksmith pdf



[Return]
Bratton History Association.

The Bratton History Association aims to provide all those curious about local history with an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discover more about the history of Bratton and Wiltshire. Activities include monthly meetings, talks by professional historians, visits to places of interest to historians, and our own local history project.

Copyright Bratton History Association 2015-2026

Bratton History Association Privacy Statement
Web Design by Blue Engine Web Development © 2008-2026