History

The business was originally established  in 1802 as a Smithy and Forge in Eltham High Street by the Foster family. In 1899 it passed to the Metcalfe family who continued shoeing horses until 1959. The Blacksmith part of the business continued along side the Lawn Mower repair business until the end of the 1970s. J.Metcalfe & Son continued as a Lawn Mower sales, spares and repair business in Passey Place until 2006. 

1802 - 1899

”

During the 19th Century there were three establishments in Eltham providing a smith and farrier service. One was established in 1802 by Robert Foster, on a site in Eltham High Street where Woolworth's stands today. The business remained in the Foster family until 1899 when it was taken over by Mr. William Metcalfe.

1899 - 1904

The business remained on the High Street site until 1904. Records show that a Quarter year Rent in 1899 was 4 Pounds 15 shillings, and 4 horseshoes could be fitted for 3 shillings and 6d. 

The photo was taken in 1902. The baby in the pram is John Metcalfe, Williams’s son, who was to inherit the business 37 years later.

The second photo was taken in 1904 shortly before the Smithy was pulled down to allow for the redevelopment of Eltham High Street. Note the buildings either side are already being demolished. William Metcalfe senior can be seen shoeing horses with his son “Young Bill.”

1904 - 1939

In 1904 the forge relocated to new premises in Pound Place and the house next door became the family home.

William’s sons William (Bill) and James (Jim) both worked for their father but went to fight in the First World War, leaving younger brother John to help run the business. 

The picture on the right shows William Metcalfe with his son John (better known as Jack). We believe this photo to have been taken about 1920.

1939 - 1982 

On the death of his father, John (Jack) Metcalfe took over the business of Farrier, Blacksmith and Lawn mower repairer. He was joined by his younger brother Albert, and in 1945, by his 14 year old son Maurice. 

Following the war, motor vehicles gradually replaced the horses working in Eltham. Finally in 1959 the Co Op dairy retired their last horse drawn Milk Float in favour of battery power, and the last horse was shod in Pound Place. 

The Blacksmith side of the business was slowly being taken over by lawn mower repairs, and new laws on smokeless fuels made keeping the forge alight virtually impossible, although welding and metal working continued.

Since their father's death, Jack Metcalfe's sister Lilly had continued living in the adjoining house. On her death in 1970 John inherited the house and part of the downstairs was converted into a show room and shop.

With the decline in Blacksmith work the double work shop doors were removed and a shop front fitted increasing further the showroom area.

Although Jack's son Maurice Metcalfe effectively took over running the business, Jack never retired. Right up to his death in 1982 at the age of 80 he still considered himself as working, and running the family business.

1982 - 1987 

Maurice Metcalfe continued the lawn mower business and some black smith work in Pound Place until 1987. 

In 1987 following much local opposition Sainsbury's opened a new Superstore in Eltham. For them to do this it meant demolition of most of Pound Place. Agreement was reached and a new purpose built building was completed in Passey Place for J.Metcalfe & Son. 

1987 - 2006

In January 1987 the new shop opened in Passey Place offering modern purpose designed workshop, showroom and storage areas. In 1987 the Eltham Society awarded the building the Best New Building Of The Year Award. 

In 2002 J.Metcalfe & Son celebrated their 200th year, as main service agents for all the major lawn mower manufacturers, including Flymo, Qualcast and Atco, specialising in Lawn Mower sales, spares and repair. 

2006 - 2010

 With large shops like B&Q selling lawnmowers at lower prices than Metcalfe's could buy them, Maurice Metcalfe at 75 years old and his long term employee and friend Ron Crisp's health failing, the shop finally closed for the last time on 18th February 2006. 

The premises in Passey Place was sold to Uden's the Undertakers.

Sadly, Maurice died suddenly in May 2010. His funeral was arranged by Uden's and he spent his last days before his funeral in "his" shop.

Ron Crisp died later that year after a long illness.