Blacksmith Classes | Ballyclare | Pattersons Forge

THE SPADE MILL

Patterson’s Spade Mill is the last working water-driven spade mill in daily use in the British Isles.

The Patterson family started making spades in 1695 and the skills were passed down through generations until 1990, when the last of the Pattersons spade makers passed away and the Mill was taken on by the National Trust.

The spade mill is steeped in history and daily demonstrations will show the skills required to turn a block of steel into a spade of the highest quality that will last a lifetime.

OUR WORK

A collection of items I've created with passion

Student

Students

WHAT WE DO

Comissions, Design & Restoration

Day, evening and weekend courses available for individuals, groups, team building days and parties.

Discounts available for groups and National Trust supporters

Strike while the iron is hot!

ABOUT US

Starting as a volunteer with the National Trust in 2011 primarily conducting tours around Pattersons Spade Mill, I was asked by the Trust if I would consider an apprenticeship as a spade maker. From that point on my skills and interest in the art of blacksmithing have developed to a point where I now feel that it is time to spread awareness of the art and pass on skills learned over the past seven years.

FIND US

James McCullough

751 Antrim Road

Templepatrick

Ballyclare

BT39 0AP

Tel: 07983513901