There are several references in various censuses to Blacksmiths in Hambleton but it is not always clear whether they worked or just lived in the village. In the late 1920s early 1930s there were two blacksmiths working in the village. The blacksmiths workshop on Shop Hill as it was called then, now the village green. Blacksmith Bob as he was known, full name Robert Middleton was based there. The 1911 Census also lists a Robert Middleton, blacksmith. He was a well known figure in the village and a member of the Committee of the Lily of the Valley Lodge of the Order of Ancient Shepherds. He also had a party piece which would sometimes be demonstrated in the Red Lion of an evening, which was to recite the names of the railway stations between Hambleton and Bridlington and then do the same journey in reverse. The second was “Old” Dick Smith based between Gateforth Lane and Red Brick Farm. He was a striking character with bushy white hair and beard. He had a hook in place of one hand and made iron gates and ornamental pieces. Earlier Census records show various members of the Lightfoot family as Blacksmiths. 1851 William plus a journeyman Robert Loungbrough, 1871 William and James with David as an apprentice, 1881 James, 1891 James and 1901 James working from home. More research is needed.