Bark Peeling Tools

Image: Barking irons, Wyre Forest [Image from: Bewdley Museum]

3. Bark Peeling Tools

Bark peeling was a task requiring the use of special tools, known as peelers or barking irons, which were forged by a blacksmith. Men used a rod made from a solid piece of iron which terminated in a flattened blade. It was around two feet in length and was used for stripping bark from the trunks of trees. Women used a smaller and lighter tool with a wooden handle and iron blade around one foot in length. It was used to remove bark from saplings and branches.