Blacksmithing in the 1700's: A Conversation with Simeon England | The School of the Longhunter

Explore the art of 1700s blacksmithing with Peter, as he visits Prickett Fort in West Virginia. Here he interviews master blacksmith Simeon England at the School of the Longhunter. Dive into the intricacies of historical blacksmith shops and discover the craftsmanship behind 18th century period weapons like pipe tomahawks. This video offers a unique look into the role of blacksmiths on the American frontier. Join us for an educational journey through early North American history, complete with live demonstrations and expert interviews. Learn about the traditional tools and techniques that define the blacksmithing craft, ensuring these ancient skills are preserved as artifacts of tomorrow. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a craftsmanship admirer, or curious about historical reenactments, this video is a must-watch!
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📺 Featuring: Peter Kelly
🎥 Cinematography, Production & Editing: Catherine Wolfe
🎵 Music Courtesy Of: Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald
Thumbnail and description: Shane Kelly
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#Blacksmith #HistoricalDIY #AmericanHistory #ColonialHistory #EarlySettlers #SelfSufficiency #Homesteading #LivingHistory #CanadianHistory #Blacksmithing #HistoricalReenactment #PrickettFort

Пікірлер: 115

  • @larryreese6146
    @larryreese61463 ай бұрын

    Greatly enjoyed the video. Thank you, Peter. True story: The blacksmith trade was alive and going strong around here in the early 1900s. The timber industry was going strong and blacksmiths kept the horses shod and the wagons rolling. 2 blacksmiths were working side by side on some project One was cross eyed and he was pounding away with a big hammer. The other fellow asked him, "do you hit where you look?" "Of course." " That's what I thought. Think I'll move a little further over."

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    You’ve given my first hearty laugh of the day.

  • @martinmeltzer2696
    @martinmeltzer26963 ай бұрын

    Hey Peter! What an illuminating conversation with Mr. England! I was surprised at the smallness of the tomahawk head... but I suppose when it had a "specialized" purpose and ONLY that purpose... it's a lot like the British Commando Fighting Knives of WWII... not much good at anything else... but absolutely PERFECT for what it was designed to do! Well Done to both of you!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Indeed and I wouldn’t want to have Simeon coming at me with its intended use in mind.

  • @martinmeltzer2696

    @martinmeltzer2696

    3 ай бұрын

    @@TheWoodlandEscape Or ANYONE else for that matter! At least without a loaded pistol in either hand! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

  • @claudeoverstreet8791
    @claudeoverstreet87912 ай бұрын

    Another wonderful video! This was my third year at the “School Of The Longhunter,“ and it was a great pleasure to interact with both you and Simeon England. Such interesting people you meet at that event. I enjoyed all of Simeon’s lectures and handiwork. For the second time, I stopped by Martin’s Station, the frontier fort where he practices his craft. Sadly, it was an open yet and he wasn’t there the first time I stopped last year.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    2 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @seanparsons8987
    @seanparsons89873 ай бұрын

    Greetings from California, grew up near Watertown. Watching these videos makes me miss New York forests and countryside.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you like them!

  • @dianeneilands5604
    @dianeneilands56043 ай бұрын

    Great video as usual. Awesome discussion, loved the story about the draw knife, makes me wonder about the history of the draw knife you just got. Have to agree about the idea of not making exact replicas of original items for similar reasons but also to avoid those who many years from now, perhaps would try to pass a handmade exact replica, off as an original.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    You raise good points. As to wondering about the history of old things, I never pick up a tool or my old violin without wonder where it came from, who used it and what is it’s story.

  • @jeffgrier8488
    @jeffgrier84883 ай бұрын

    That was a fantastic interview, i really enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to do it, and i got a history lesson as always.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    I’m glad you thought so. We appreciate your interest.

  • @robinbonaventura4951
    @robinbonaventura49513 ай бұрын

    Two great teachers!!! Thank you Mr. Pete!!!!Take care...Robin

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    If your ranking in there with the master than that is a very fine compliment. Take care as well.

  • @jdog881688
    @jdog8816883 ай бұрын

    Thank you Peter for the very informative interview. Fantastic! Cheers!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @elwoodtaylor1092
    @elwoodtaylor10923 ай бұрын

    fascinating for sure and a great history lesson as well thank you all

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @jackcook8613
    @jackcook86133 ай бұрын

    Thanks again, Peter for a great video. Simeon is one of the premier history educators as yourself in the world of 18th century history.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    That is indeed a flattering compliment, sir.

  • @mikesherman4565
    @mikesherman45653 ай бұрын

    Again thank you for continuing the saga of the school of the longhunters

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Our pleasure!

  • @lancehenderson7249
    @lancehenderson72493 ай бұрын

    Interesting history lesson, somehow thought that a tomahawk was larger. Guess they would come in different sizes. I got my cousins tomahawk that he had in Vietnam, asked him what it was like there, and all he said was, I was there. Nothing else. Never asked him again.Rather thick man and well informative about blacksmithing. Strange that he is barefoot. You can tell that the shop has seen a lot of use. It's great that we got two videos in one week. I don't know anything about blacksmithing, so these videos are great. Keep your powder dry

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Not only is Simeon a great blacksmith he’s tough to boot. I’ve never seen him in moccasins. Watch yer top knot.

  • @daveyjoweaver6282
    @daveyjoweaver62823 ай бұрын

    How little we know of the connection with our own Mother Earth and surviving in the wilds. To Europeans it was wild but to the Indigenous it was home and their back yard. It’s hard to imagine having to do with little or nothing and making do. A small piece of iron was very precious at one time. And learning about these things and our True history is precious as well. Thank You Peter and to the Master Blacksmith. Many Blessings! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    We’ve certainly have moved away from those simple times and I like to attempt keeping them alive.

  • @daveyjoweaver6282

    @daveyjoweaver6282

    3 ай бұрын

    @@TheWoodlandEscape You and Kathy do a Fine Job keeping these things alive very skillfully! Thank You!

  • @victortuten4399
    @victortuten43993 ай бұрын

    Two peas in a pod! Until just a couple of years ago I always thought of a tomahawk as a hatchet. A hatchet that they would use as a weapon when caught unawares or away from a "real" weapon. I am guessing it was the Hollywood influence and all those movies I watched. Researching it really opened my eyes to a different tool altogether. Convincing folks that the head was smaller than a hatchet with a longer handle just gets me that glazed look. Now I can talk about the material availability and working with what they had. It probably won't make a bit of difference. Bless their Hearts!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Perhaps it will help with your argument… keep on educating regardless,it all helps.

  • @rickcooper6817
    @rickcooper68173 ай бұрын

    Very much enjoyed your interview with Mr. Simeon. He's such a very talented blacksmith. Thanks again Mr. Peter for sharing.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    He is indeed and simply a very nice fellow.

  • @jameshall5784
    @jameshall57843 ай бұрын

    I absolutely love the history and historical references in your videos Peter!!! Thank you again for another incredible video !!!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    My pleasure, thanks for your interest.

  • @beverlymichael5830
    @beverlymichael58303 ай бұрын

    Really great interview. It really makes you stop and think how hard it was just to make something back then when we can run to the hardware store now. My grandpa did not make nails but coming through the depression I watched him straighten nails he had reclaimed. Pounding them on a piece rod rail from a railroad. I still have that section of rail. I save used screws I have removed. I dont straighten nails. Maybe I should.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Old dog here, my father straightened every nail pulled and I’m keeping up the family tradition. Thanks for the compliment.

  • @richardofsylmar
    @richardofsylmar3 ай бұрын

    Thank you, Peter and Cathy for another wonderful video.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @8626John
    @8626John3 ай бұрын

    Great discussion. Thanks for posting it.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    My pleasure!

  • @NW_Ranger
    @NW_Ranger3 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    You're welcome!

  • @marieleopold1625
    @marieleopold16253 ай бұрын

    W O W !!! You've spoiled us Peter! 2 lovely vids in one week! Thanks muchly 4 not letting us wait another week 4 part 2. I can see 'why' you enjoy these gatherings, as they are akin to people being pieces of a puzzle (the past) that come together to create the reality of yesterdays. You could spend your life going from one to another of these gatherings and not get much done on the homestead = YIKES! It only proves how well-organized both you and your fine Empress Catherine are at 'timing' your outings, chores, hunts etc. The fine tomahawk displayed makes me think of all the 'occasions' in which they were wielded and the 'attitudes' behind the wielding..."Courage is fear holding on a minute longer." (George S. Patton). Health and Blessings dear ones! Hopefully warmer temps will bring the return of beloved 'George'! LOL! :)

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you were surprised by the two… gotta change things up a wee bit once in a while. I’d believe Patton is spot on, sadly many a solder is gone due to that brief time lapse. As always, Marie, your comments always brighten our day!

  • @jeffersonspace
    @jeffersonspace3 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the video. Fascinating interview

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @smoothvern165
    @smoothvern1653 ай бұрын

    This was so interesting! I love these interviews!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it! We’ll have to do more.

  • @donnanorman340
    @donnanorman3403 ай бұрын

    Good morning Peter. Thanks for another wonderful history lesson. Have a good weekend. 💛 from 🇨🇦

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    You are very welcome

  • @johnlea8519
    @johnlea85193 ай бұрын

    Another fascinating video, Peter you sure know some very interesting fellas with quite an in-depth knowledge of 18th century living. The learning never stops or becomes dull..👍

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    If we’re not learning, we’re dead. I could listen to Simeon till the cows come home.

  • @williamqueen8790
    @williamqueen87903 ай бұрын

    Awesome video. My grandfather was a black smith and this give me an idea what he did from day to day.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    I’ve no doubt your grandfather was a busy man!

  • @earlshaner4441
    @earlshaner44413 ай бұрын

    Good morning brother and everyone from Syracuse NY USA

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    And to you, Earl.

  • @earlshaner4441

    @earlshaner4441

    3 ай бұрын

    Hi my friend everyone that I shared your video with love your videos

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    @@earlshaner4441 we are very flattened,Earl

  • @earlshaner4441

    @earlshaner4441

    3 ай бұрын

    You and everyone is welcome

  • @kingrafa3938
    @kingrafa39383 ай бұрын

    A great interview!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @martihetrick609
    @martihetrick6093 ай бұрын

    Thank you gentlemen for aswome video.from mrs.outhouse

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @jeremiahmccutcheon3234
    @jeremiahmccutcheon32343 ай бұрын

    Peter thank you for this video. I love it

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    You are very welcome

  • @MelanieSawyerForager
    @MelanieSawyerForager3 ай бұрын

    I loved listening to all the information and ponderings you both gave, very enjoyable

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @SveninColorado
    @SveninColorado3 ай бұрын

    Outstanding dialogue!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @robdixon7732
    @robdixon77323 ай бұрын

    Great video. I met Simeon once down there at Martin's Station. Great guy. Made me some nails! That man never wears shoes. Lol.

  • @InfamousWolf89

    @InfamousWolf89

    3 ай бұрын

    Not even when it gets cold?

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Yup, a fine artisan and tough to boot!

  • @phil4620
    @phil46203 ай бұрын

    Love the history. Thank You

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @ryanstottlemyer5698
    @ryanstottlemyer56983 ай бұрын

    Fantastic!!!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Cheers!

  • @armadilloforge
    @armadilloforge3 ай бұрын

    Very educational!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @donwaldroopoutdoors3665
    @donwaldroopoutdoors36653 ай бұрын

    From a ky native very cool and interesting

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @robertcurns3845
    @robertcurns38453 ай бұрын

    thanks again!! Hope to talk to Simeon at Ft.Loudon in Pa., in June.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    You’ll not be disappointed, he’s one interesting man with a strong compassion for Colonial history.

  • @will76888
    @will768883 ай бұрын

    Facinating video! Thanks for sharing!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @terrynoraturner1848
    @terrynoraturner18483 ай бұрын

    Excellent.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Many thanks!

  • @ianandresen2326
    @ianandresen23263 ай бұрын

    Great video! Thank you! Fantastic weekend as well!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you! You too! Meant to say good buy, but missed you.

  • @hayward434
    @hayward4343 ай бұрын

    Hello Peter, You could not see me, but I was right there in Simeon's shop with you.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    I felt your spirit, Hayward!

  • @user-yg6jx3oc7e
    @user-yg6jx3oc7e3 ай бұрын

    Great video

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @zpy-nq7wv
    @zpy-nq7wv2 ай бұрын

    I HAVE AN ANVIL THAT HAS BEEN IN THE FAMILY FOR 6 GENERATIONS . IT WAS USED TO SHOE HORSES ( AND MAKE OTHER ITEMS ) DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AS WELL DOING THE SAME FOR THE CONFEDERACY DURING THE CIVIL WAR.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    2 ай бұрын

    Wow, now that’s a keepsake!

  • @lawrencekeller6029
    @lawrencekeller60293 ай бұрын

    Great video Peter that was a nice looking hawk. Be safe sir.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks 👍. His work is amazingly good.

  • @peterp.schmidt4987
    @peterp.schmidt4987Ай бұрын

    .. You didn't give him back that beautiful little hatchet - did you? 🤠

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    Ай бұрын

    Sadly yes, but I’m so going to be replicating it.

  • @jtsterry
    @jtsterry3 ай бұрын

    ❤😊😊

  • @paulfrizzell31
    @paulfrizzell313 ай бұрын

    👍

  • @eddybear771
    @eddybear7713 ай бұрын

    Lost count, but after about 3 or so months, I'm all caught up Buddy.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Great effort, but I’m sorry to say we released one today, so your behind once again, lol.

  • @eddybear771

    @eddybear771

    3 ай бұрын

    @@TheWoodlandEscape 🤣

  • @jamesvatter5729
    @jamesvatter57293 ай бұрын

    Simeon is one of those folks involved in this "addiction" I'd really like to meet.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    He’s a fascinating and talented historian.

  • @francicrownoble9150
    @francicrownoble91502 ай бұрын

    I'm sure you've answered this before, but I can't find the answer. Why do you wear the straps below your knees? Thanks!! I love your show!

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    2 ай бұрын

    They are called legging ties. Almost universally sworn in the era of the 1700’s. The common pants of the period were knee beeches and to protect both their legs and the material of the pants, legging were worn. They have a garter to hold then to the waist and legging ties to keep them from spinning around on the leg.

  • @jamesellsworth9673
    @jamesellsworth96733 ай бұрын

    Even a small tomahawk would be useful in chopping off small dead wood for a fire to cook with or to sleep close to. One could limb evergreens to make a browse bed.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Lots of uses indeed.

  • @aboelyn
    @aboelynАй бұрын

    Can you discuss how swords were made?

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    Ай бұрын

    That’s an interesting idea for a future episode… thanks for planting the seed.

  • @johnclarke6647
    @johnclarke66472 ай бұрын

    Did you know that the English forbade the colonials from even making shovels, so they had to depend upon the Mother Country to get these products. The colonials inability to fabricate guns, axes, shovels, etc, also reduced the possibility of their revolting against the mother country. I am sure this was in the back of the minds of the English, when they passed these regulations.

  • @johnclarke6647
    @johnclarke66472 ай бұрын

    It is hard for me to believe a blacksmith is walking around his blacksmith shop, barefooted. I can just imagine how many hot cinders are floating around.

  • @milliebanks7209
    @milliebanks72093 ай бұрын

    Ok Peter, why is this young man barefoot? Bet his feet get cold and he picks up a ton of thotms and stickers.

  • @TheWoodlandEscape

    @TheWoodlandEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Simeon is tough as the nails he walks on, I’ve never seen him in moccasins.

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