New Forge Place is a development of sheltered housing for the ‘over 55s’ in Redbourn High Street. It was built in 1988 by Alban Developments and occupies the site of the last blacksmith’s forge still to be used in Redbourn. There are a total of 27 privately-owned one and two bedroom apartments arranged in attractive gardens featuring a large fish pond. The accommodation is leased from the Aldwyck Housing Association Limited who employ a resident manager.

The forge was opened by Joe Sibley in the 1890s to the rear of the former White Hart public house, now Indian Nights Restaurant. Three generations of the Sibley family were blacksmiths, up until about 1960 when Bill Sibley was the last to ply that trade in the village. In 1891 there were 6 blacksmiths recorded living in Redbourn and at least 3 forges. An exhibition in the Occupations Room at Redbourn Museum includes photographs of the Sibley family of blacksmiths and many of their tools of the trade are on display.

See also: Houses And Streets, Redbourn History, Bygone Public Houses Of Redbourn.

-- Pauline Ridgwell - 05 Dec 2002