My family were the tenants of Cockington Forge from 1968 to the mid-90’s. We returned it happily to the then owners (Prudential Assurance Company) on the condition that when they sold it, they sold it to either a working Blacksmith or a Farrier. They agreed and that’s exactly what they did. Unfortunately, the Farrier retired and converted The Forge to a gift shop wrecking centuries of heritage. Ironically, there IS a Blacksmith in the Village who missed buying The Forge by one month. He’s brilliant but has to operate in a different location. The current owners have modified The Forge against Grade II listing and as far as I can tell, without planning permission. I have tried and tried to get the Council to enforce undoing the modification, but they have been utterly useless. It’s only an extra pillar under the roadside of the ‘3 pillar’ eaves. But it matters because that’s where the horses would enter to be shod and it’s materially altered the look of this very, very old building. The current owners have been very good to the building – spending a lot of money on its upkeep. I just wish they would respect the Grade II listing and keep the building looking ‘original’ even if they are not working Blacksmiths. I hope one day, they will be sell it on to a Blacksmith.