Started in 2015 as Fire Beards Forge Works, the bespoke blacksmithing and rustic yet elegant creations of the Anvil and Yew was born out of an interest and passion for archaeology. Dr. Zechariah Jinks-Fredrick is both the brain and brawn behind the forges operations. In 2018 after having submitted his PhD thesis on Iron Age blacksmtihing and its socio-cultural significance, Fire Beards Forge Works was re-branded as the Anvil and Yew to bear homage to the metaphysical associations smiting had in prehistoric and early historic societies. The yew tree, like iron work itself, is described in insular Celtic tradition as inhabiting a boundary between worlds. With these ancient ideas in mind, The Anvil and Yew, has set out on continuing journey to learn and rediscover new techniques and create objects the Celts of the past would be proud to call their own.

With this ethos in mind, Dr. Zech creates high quality tools using traditional techniques that are not only functional, but beautiful. Each piece is unique and able to become an heirloom for future generations.