Firing the Anvil
This is a traditional blacksmith’s custom to commemorate the patron saints of blacksmiths, St Clement and St Dunstan. The custom is carried out on or close to the Saints Days. It involves firing a small quantity of gunpowder inserted in a cavity in the base of an anvil.
Here Mike Rowe, blacksmith in residence at the Somerset Rural Life Museum, fires his anvil in celebration of Saint Clement of Rome (born circa 100 A.D., Bishop of Rome and Martyr), Saints Day 23rd November.
The result was most spectacular.
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