Pyecombe hook

[2] Pyecombe village stands on an ancient drove road on the South Downs and has a long shepherding history.

The painting of the Nativity at St Michael and All Angels, Berwick, East Sussex, by Vanessa Bell includes shepherds holding the Pyecombe hook.

[4] It was made in the first half of the 19th century by Mr Berry, the blacksmith, in the old forge, now a private house, just opposite the entrance to the church.

[5] The church has a ceremonial Pyecombe hook made by Mr Sean Black, the last blacksmith resident at the forge from 1946.

[6] The hook is celebrated in song:- Hefty of arm he hammered it out, in clangour of forge and flame of fire; Red it rolled on the anvil's bosom, Bent and bowed to the smith's desire; He laughed as he lifted it, laughed and sang The song that is older than ink or pen: "O well I know, Who knows no book, Where'er you go Is never a crook, Can better the crooks of the Pyecombe forge,