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Blacksmith Paul Dennis’s journey from a humble cowshed to working for the British Royal Family is nothing short of inspiring. At 77, he reflects on a promise made decades ago amid the rural surroundings of his farm: “I remember standing in my cowshed and saying to my wife ‘one day I’m going to work for the Queen’ and we were surrounded by cow dung and stalls.” Despite those modest beginnings, his craftsmanship now adorns some of the most prestigious buildings and landmarks in the UK, including Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, and even the protective metalwork around the Crown Jewels housed in the Tower of London.
Deep in the Welsh countryside, nestled within the scenic Bannau Brycheiniog or Brecon Beacons, Paul continues his work in a forge just miles from the very cowshed where he first made his bold declaration. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of farmland and sites of scientific interest, he shapes metal with a skill honed over 50 years. Now celebrating five decades in business, he is engaged in major projects such as restoring parts of Smithfield Market in London, which is set to become the London Museum’s headquarters in 2026, as well as creating new gates for the historic Albany Mansions in Piccadilly, a residence known for having housed prime ministers, poets, and playboys.
Paul’s passion for metalwork runs deep in his family history. He descends from generations of metalworkers, including farriers and nail makers, and grew up on a farm in south Wales where everyday life demanded hard work and self-sufficiency. By the age of 12, he was already restoring cars and repairing engines, showing an early mechanical aptitude. Leaving school at 16 without formal qualifications, he initially worked alongside his father but quickly realized that shoeing horses was not his future. His path shifted dramatically after securing a job at Dyffryn Gardens near Cardiff, where at 17 he crafted wrought iron gates for the rose gardens. “I thought, ‘this is it, it’s what I
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