THE original eighteenth century Llantarnam smithy, or blacksmiths shop, was to be found opposite the church of St Michael & All Angels and was housed in an old cottage with a side workshop. In the 1880s the Pritchards lived and worked there.
In the early twentieth century, the smithy was demolished and a new smithy and house with Post Office and shop was opened in 1910.
This photograph of the new brick buildings shows Pritchard and son outside the smithy and standing in front of the tyring ring which was used to fit rims on wooden cartwheels.
The horse rider with dog is believed to be the coachman from Llanfrechfa Grange, Samuel Purkiss.
The little lad riding his tricycle in the road in front of the Post Office is hopefully not a sight you would see today.
Nostalgia is provided by Torfaen Museum, which has re-opened to the public and is open Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 4pm and weekends 1pm to 4pm.
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