| Administrative History | According to an extract from the will of Thomas Pett of Biggin, farmer dated 1813 he willed that after the decease of his sister he devised his freehold house, barn and garden to his nephew George Watson, son of his sister Hannah Watson. In the front of the first ledger of "the Smithy " is a note that [the Watsons] took over the blacksmith's shop in 1886 at the rate of five pounds per year with lodging included. They came to live at the house on 25 March 1889 at the rate of six pounds per year . It was rumoured that the Smithy was a former public house named the Bulls Head but I have not found any information to substantiate this other than a rate demand addressed to the Old Bulls Head, Biggin. The Smithy was owned by Messrs Anthony Watson and Sons successively until 1979/80 when it was sold to a private individual.
The Smithy served a pool of clients in the local areas of Newhaven, Biggin, Hartington and Heathcote, Youlgreave and Ashbourne Rural District Council undertaking general blacksmith work such as shoeing horses, ironwork and making parts for agricultural machinery. |
| Custodial History | These records were donated to the Record Office by a private individual in November 2005. |