Gårdssmedjor i södra Gästrikland En studie av Hedesunda och Österfärnebo socknar

Abstract

Poorly maintained forges are a common sight in the province of Gästrikland. Because of their changed appearance, possible move from the origin location and poor items related knowledge they will rarely qualify for the range of funds available through Länsstyrelsen. Therefore this study deals with the problems associated with the forges in southern Gästrikland, i.e. Hedesunda and Österfärnebo parishes. The aim of the study is to increase the items related knowledge of forges and perhaps form the basis for restoration projects in the area. Eleven forges have been examined and the changes they have undergone have been highlighted. A forge was erected on the farm and was used for the households needs such as producing and repairing tools. Because of the danger of fire they were placed at a safe distance from the other farm buildings. As a consequence of, amongst other factors, technical innovations and the establishment of mechanical garages (that led to the possibility of buying tools instead of making them) in the mid 1900’s forges had seen better days. Today almost all of the forges are overdue due to the lack of maintenance and no practical use. Forges, and other buildings in the countryside without practical use, are carrier of significant cultural values because of the stories they tell about the past lifestyle on the countryside. Those cultural values will disappear if nothing is done to save them.