A TRADITIONAL blacksmith whose work is featured at well-known landmarks has died.

Den Morgan, aged 87, owned The Chase Forge in Barnards Green, which was founded in 1868.

As well as doing the traditional farrier’s job of shoeing horses, Mr Morgan has also made a lot of ironwork which can be seen around the area.

The gates at St Ann’s Well, which were designed by eminent artist Catherine Moody as a tribute to Malvern Gazette editor Joyce King, are an example of his work.

Further examples can be seen at Great Malvern Priory, Worcester Cathedral and Tewkesbury Abbey almshouses, where he was presented to the Queen for his work there, a memory he treasured.

His father Jack started work at the forge in 1913, acquiring the business some years later.

Mr Morgan joined his father as an apprentice in 1940 and carried on the business after his father passed away. His own son Grant joined as an apprentice in 1964 and is now the owner of the business.

Mr Morgan liked to encourage youngsters to carry on the tradition of blacksmithing and for many years judged the apprentice blacksmithing competitions at the Three Counties Show.

When he retired as a judge, the Den Morgan Trophy was donated in his honour and is still awarded each year. He led a very active social life, including riding his vintage motorcycles here and abroad, was a keen jazz club member and skittles player.

Grant Morgan said: “He was simply the best. His skills in iron working leave his legacy in historic place such as the Priory and Worcester Cathedral, where they will remain for centuries.”

A funeral service was held at Christ Church, Avenue Road, and the horse-drawn hearse passed the forge in Lower Chase Road on its way.