A HISTORIC building is set to open its doors to the public for the first time in decades.

Henry ‘Dick' Nunn was Coggeshall’s famous Victorian blacksmith in the 19th Century.

He was a figurehead in the community's history and built the recently-restored iron footbridge over the River Blackwater, which dates back to 1892.

The smithy where he worked is now preparing to open thanks to current owner Reg Foster and his desire to see it preserved. 

Born and bred in Coggeshall, Mr Foster bought the smithy 60 years ago from blacksmith Edmund Rowland, one of Dick's apprentices.

Chair of trustees Trevor Disley said: “It is amazing that Dick's smithy has survived. When you step inside it is like walking back in time."

The Dick Nunn Trust has been set up to take over the old building.

It opened to the public for the first time yesterday, Saturday, September 10, and will be open again today, Sunday, September 11, from 12noon to 4.30pm.

The trust plans to carry out conservation work and will eventually open the smithy as a museum.

A new book, Dick Nunn - Coggeshall’s Remarkable Blacksmith, will also be launched during the open days.