Hororata Historic Walking Tour
#11 The Blacksmith's Shop
The blacksmith’s shop or ‘smithy’ was set up around 1868 by John Thorne as traffic from the railhead and an increase in contract cropping meant business was assured. It was located by Thorne’s Creek, south of the town centre.
Thorne became an institution, called upon to set limbs (the nearest doctor was in Sheffield), attend to sick animals, drive wells, and many other tasks. The shop grew into a very big business known as The Britannia Ironworks. Thorne also had a foundry and cast wheels. His cottage was behind the shop; the remains of the shop still stand and are being restored today. Next stop: The new Hororata Primary School |