Chedham's Yard

Chedham's Yard is a prize-winning heritage site.

Hidden away in Wellesbourne in Warwickshire it is a well-kept secret - a blacksmith's and wheelwright's workshop dating from the early 19th century.

The Yard was run by five generations of the Chedham family, the last of whom, Bill Chedham passed away in 2012 shortly after the Yard opened to the public. The Yard is crammed with tools, equipment and items made at or maintained on site along with the materials to make them.

Every Saturday in addition to the themed events there will also be wood turning and blacksmith demonstrations by our own skilled volunteers throughout the day. This is an opportunity to learn about these crafts, which have almost disappeared. Talk to the craftsmen themselves. 

This year we will be repairing/renovating some vintage farm equipment during the normal open hours. Old equipment poses some unique challenges when traditional techniques are being used. 

There are three short films about the Yard and guided tours. Light refreshments, gifts/souvenirs and books are available in the café. 

On some Saturdays, when there is a fully qualified blacksmith in the forge, there will be the opportunity to become a blacksmith and make something yourself which you can then take home. Participants must wear stout shoes and suitable clothing. An apron and goggles will be provided. Please ask at the reception kiosk, on arrival, if this option is available. There will be a nominal charge for this. 

For the children there is the ever-popular Mouse Trail. By finding the mice and solving the puzzle the children will get a gift.

Close to the Yard is an oak building known as ‘The Granary’. The whole building sits on staddle stones held up to 25 tons of grain. It is hoped that visitors to the Yard will be able to visit this 17th century grain store, which is a prime example of its type. More details will be available later.  Visitors wishing to see the Granary should ask when they arrive at the Yard.