The Blacksmiths' Union was formed in 1911 by the amalgamation of the Combined Smiths of Great Britain and Ireland (formed in 1898) and the Co-operative Society of Smiths (formed in 1849). The following year it merged into the Associated Blacksmiths and Ironworkers' Society. It had branches throughout England, but not in Scotland, Wales or Ireland.

Registration Books

The only source is the series of registration books of the Associated Blacksmiths and Ironworkers' Society (MSS.192/AB/83-90). In 1912 they listed all existing members by branch, including the members and branches acquired from the amalgamation of the Blacksmiths' Union. Information given is name, age, marital status, date of marriage after admission, date and cause of (and sometimes age at) death of member and/or wife, length of illness leading to death, date of payment of funeral benefit, branch transferred to and date, and date and cause of exclusion.

In 1912 the registers list all current members by branch, including the members and branches acquired from the amalgamation of the Blacksmiths' Union.