Rutland County Museum Large object / agricultural collections assessment

Robin Hill October 2018

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Contents

Author’s note ...... 2

1 Background to the assessment ...... 3

2 Scope ...... 3

3 Assessment Criteria ...... 4

4 Results of the Significance Scoring exercise ...... 5

5 Possibilities for exhibition changes ...... 7

6 ’s collection and displays in context ...... 8

7 Significance scoring framework for RCM agricultural / craft collections ...... 11

8 Main Hall Display ...... 12

9 Courtyard Display ...... 16

10 Poultry Hall Display ...... 18

Author’s note Since the Second World War the pace of change in our countryside has quickened dramatically. Farming operations, once conducted at the speed of the plodding farm horse, have become increasingly mechanised and sophisticated. And with this progress has come a reduction in the number of people working on farms, leaving many of us without a direct link to the land and an appreciation of what went before the modern tractor age.

This is where museum collections, such at those of the Rutland County Museum, can maintain our connection with our rural past. Through their objects, stories and images they are able to portray a little of what life was like, and in doing so they are able to bring back memories for some, educate others, and enlighten the majority.

At the very heart of a museum are its collections. In Rutland the core of the farming collection was assembled many years ago by a Mr E. G. Bolton, a teacher at Casterton School, who in 1967 passed his rural life collection to . Nearly fifty years later the museum continues to preserve the past for the benefit of future audiences. As part of this it regularly reviews its policies and practices; what follows is a review that aims to place its large object and agricultural collections within a wider context.

RH

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Rutland County Museum

Large object/agricultural collections assessment

Robin Hill

1 Background to the assessment

Early in 2018 a communication from Lawrence Fenelon, Chairman of the Friends of Rutland County Museum led to a March meeting with members of the museum team. The focus of the meeting was the museum’s large-object collection of agricultural and craft material, and ways in which its significance could be assessed within the wider heritage environment.

Following discussions it was agreed that a quantitative assessment framework should be drawn up to appraise the collection prior to any decisions being made on its long-term future. This assessment would be accompanied by a commentary on collection strengths and challenges, as well as ideas on future development of the exhibitions and interpretation.

2 Scope

The exercise was primarily designed to assess larger objects currently on display in the three large public areas of the museum. Whilst mostly agricultural in theme, these also include items such as the box mangle and the turret clock in the Main Hall as well as the printing machinery and gallows in the Poultry Hall. Several items currently in store at the rear of the Poultry Hall, such as the straw matting machine, have also been included in the data collection exercise.

Although the majority of small items have been excluded, the assessment was extended to include four assemblages of smaller objects – the kitchen in the Main Hall, and the blacksmith’s material, dairy objects and law and order collection in the Poultry Hall. For each of these a score was given to the collection, rather than to the individual pieces.

The starting-point for the analysis was the Modes records supplied by the museum team. These were extremely helpful in locating the various objects. There were a number that proved elusive on the data-collecting visit and will need assessment later if that is thought to be advantageous.

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3 Assessment Criteria

a. Uniqueness

This rates an object on its rarity – from those of international importance, where very few examples remain, to it being commonplace within other museum and private collections with a similar theme. As this is a key element in placing the museum’s collections in a wider context then this criterion has a weighing by which its score is doubled.

b. Surface condition This refers to the visible finish of an object. Highest scores are achieved by those objects that retain the majority of their original surface coating. In the majority of metal items in this study the coating is usually a paint layer and for timber objects a surface patina. Scores here reward careful conservation above more comprehensive restoration. Where wear, oxidisation or timber decay has occurred then the item will record a proportionally lower score. Those objects that have had a full cosmetic restoration, and where nothing of the original finish survives, receive the lowest ranking.

c. Completeness/Originality

Here greater scores have been given to those objects that remain in an original, unaltered state and retain all of their associated parts. Those where only one or two small components are missing received the next highest rating, as they are still able to reflect the form and function of the item. The lowest ranking is reserved for items that have lost so many parts, or have been much-modified, that their original appearance is less apparent.

d. Provenance

The associated information that accompanies an object is assessed here. Where there is a full record of past ownership, location and use an item scores more highly. Those where only basic details of its history survive are receive a middle ranking, while anything lacking a provenance or likely to have been collected from outside the defined area specified in the Museum’s Collection Management Policy has the lowest score.

e. Production

This relates to the maker and manufacturing location of the object. Those that are made in small numbers by local craftsmen have most relevance and highest scores, followed by objects made within the region. Those mass-produced within factories elsewhere in the country complete the picture, but with a lower rating.

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f. Interpretative Value

Some items within the collection can easily draw a response from visitors, and key pieces evoke emotions and excitement with little or no interpretative input from the Museum team. These are highly rated for their interpretative value. Other objects lend themselves to being handled or used, bringing back memories and adding interest. Occasionally there are items in the collection that will be unable to contribute to a storyline or relay a message, and those are given a lower ranking as a result.

The full Significance Scoring Framework is attached as Section 7.

4 Results of the Significance Scoring exercise

A total of 100 objects were assessed using this procedure. Every object was given a score on each of the six criteria, using a combination of observational skills, Modes documentation records, and external sources. These included standard textbooks on the various specialisms, reports commissioned by the Rural Museum Network and the opinions of specialists in the different fields. Although not an exact science it serves as a good indication of the relative merit/importance of the objects under scrutiny.

The collated scores are given in Sections 8, 9 and 10. They are divided by location; Section 8 refers to objects in the Main Hall, Section 9 to the Courtyard and Section 10 to the Poultry Hall.

The maximum possible score for an object, given that the ‘uniqueness’ score is doubled, is 36.

Totals scored by the assessed objects range from a high of 32 (the wooden-axled wagon from Mr Lawrence of Preston) to a low of 12 (the dry measure). The average across the 100 objects surveyed was 18.5.

A total of 23 objects scored 25 points or more, and several of these deserve further discussion.

Of these no fewer than 8 were wooden-bodied, horse-drawn vehicles. They form the most significant element in the agricultural/large object collection. Several are considered either of national or regional importance, but it is really the assemblage that merits recognition. They are referred to in standard works (‘The English Farm Wagon’) and cited by experts in the field as noteworthy (‘one of the key collections of local traditional types to be found in a museum in the country’ – D. Viner). Their condition, for the most part, is sound; as with the

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majority of the agricultural collection, conservation rather than restoration has been practiced for many decades, resulting in a mellow appearance. With careful intervention to a number of cart wheels then the overall score would be further improved.

In addition to this group of horse-powered vehicles there were two hand-carts (the baker and builder) that further contributed to this collection strength on a smaller scale.

The next largest group of objects with scores of 25 or above were horse-drawn ploughs. Three of these – the Kent Turnwrest style, the Rutland plough and the Knight of Great Casterton example – were placed in the upper quartile. Again it was their local provenance, as well as their largely-sound condition, that merited their position. However, several of the more common, mass-produced examples, like the Davey Sleep products, received contrasting scores, putting them in the lower quartile.

Similar variations can be seen with the tractors on display. Pride of place undoubtedly belongs to the Saunderson G of 1916 (26 points), which is one of only six in UK museums – although another forty or so are in private hands. Although partly restored the tractor has a period appearance, is complete and scores highly with its local provenance. In contrast the Grey Ferguson (1980.12) represents one of the commonest period tractors in preservation, and with its Leicestershire connections and repaint receives a proportionately lower score.

The remaining high-scoring objects largely owe their position to local origins and associations. The ‘New Drop’ gallows, for example, elevate the crime and punishment collection to the upper quartile, whilst the game larder from the Lowther estate has equally strong links to the county. Within the main hall displays the Exton Hall militia gun and two smaller objects – the perambulator and the rocking horse – achieved prominence with the stories they can tell, while the well-preserved box mangle and early turret clock movement are testament to the high standards of object care within the collection as a whole.

Returning to the agricultural collection only one other item of field machinery – the sail reaper – achieved a place in the upper quartile. At least twelve other agricultural machines of various types received much more lowly scores - the result of a combination of comprehensive restoration (for example, the thistle cutter), duplication within the collection (winnowers), lack of provenance (scuffle) or the difficulty of interpreting specialised and complex equipment to a museum audience (threshing machine). Most of the field machinery was manufactured in other parts of the country, as was the general practice in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and so received lower scores on production.

Before leaving the assessment results there is one caveat to note. It would be easy to disregard some low-scoring smaller or simpler objects that nevertheless had a contribution to make to telling a larger story. This was recognised at the outset as being the case with the

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kitchen objects and the dairying collection, but could also be applied, for example, to the retail and woodworking items in the Poultry Hall.

5 Possibilities for exhibition changes

An alternative approach to object-based review and rationalisation of the collection would be to base an item’s future on its ability to contribute to new exhibition(s). Several initial ideas of possible themes are given below, each of which would incorporate different categories of material and allow other objects to be removed to storage or be exhibited in other locations. These are;

a. Celebrate the museum buildings and their past In common with a number of other museums, the largest collection asset is the buildings used to house the museum. Could more be done to interpret these? The original use of the Riding School would lend itself to more interpretation of the role of the horse in war and peace, and the large horse-drawn agricultural collection could support that approach. Similarly the site’s role as a venue for agricultural shows could be highlighted.

b. Focus on the county and its achievements A theme of ‘Ten things that made Rutland famous’ would provide sufficient flexibility to focus on collection strengths whilst providing a framework for visitors to digest the displays.

c. Use personalities to tell stories The displays currently feature a number of individuals – Richard Westbrook Baker, George Ruddle, Hugh Lowther and Charles Matkin amongst others – who could step forward to tell their stories in a more animated way and increase public engagement with the exhibitions.

d. Look at the land through the seasons The strong collection of field implements and tools could be used in natural settings to portray the life of a local farmer throughout the year.

e. A different theme in each exhibition space At present each of the three exhibition areas contains some agricultural material. Placing all of this in one area would free up two spaces for other themes, such as crafts or urban living.

f. Working exhibits, working people Visitors appreciate interaction with exhibits and enjoy seeing people at work. With sufficient space in the Courtyard/Poultry Hall could a number of local, traditional craftspeople be invited to work there in a casual or more permanent capacity?

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g. Combine Town and Country The interdependence of the urban and rural in a farming county underpins a successful economy. From the town came the mechanical means to cultivate and harvest, and to it was returned the results of successful farming for processing and marketing. Explicit linkages can therefore be made from engineering, wheelwrighting and blacksmithing through farming to dairying, brewing and food retailing.

6 Rutland’s collection and displays in context

There are between 30 and 40 museums in the country that have rural life and agriculture as their main theme. They range considerably in size and scope, from working farms with extensive machinery and livestock to small, volunteer-led institutions that for reasons of space and resources focus mostly upon hand-tools, records and photographs. As with Rutland County Museum (RCM), a significant number occupy historic buildings that have been imaginatively re-used for museum purposes. Few benefit from new-build display accommodation, but a growing number have taken advantage of Heritage Lottery Fund support to improve their public offer within their historic homes.

Virtually all of these museums have been established to record and celebrate local practice within a county, district or landscape type. As a result the collections that they house, whilst having some nationally-popular tools and implements in common, will also reflect local practices and designs. Almost all of them face the common challenge of exhibiting or storing bulky and heavy items of machinery that make significant demands upon scarce resources. As a result there have been a number of collection rationalisation programmes within the sector’s museums in recent years as space shortages are more keenly felt.

Whilst it is not possible to compare RCM’s unique site and collection with a single museum elsewhere several examples spring to mind that provide interesting parallels with RCM’s collections, historic home and future potential.

In an unlikely urban setting of the city of Lincoln is the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. This was one of the first of the county-based collections, dating back to 1969, and has been adding to its collections for the majority of the intervening period. Consequently the present-day pressures of maintaining and accommodating some 250,000 objects at a time of budget austerity are proving to be challenging. The sheer scale of some of the items on display – including a WW1 tank and two large steam ploughing engines, as well as the more familiar ploughs, carts and wagons – reduces the potential for easy exhibition change and enhancement, and in addition its 19th century barracks home also makes considerable demands on County Council resources. Interestingly, though, this is one of very few museums in the sector that offers free admission.

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Several rural museums succeed in attracting audiences to far more remote locations. Near Northleach, Gloucestershire is the Cotswold Discovery Centre. Opened in 1981 this offers visitors a range of displays within a former prison building, alongside a sizeable collection of carts, wagons and farm machinery. The majority of these items came as a bequest from a private local collector, and necessitated the construction of a semi-circle of open-fronted sheds to accommodate them. However, thirty-plus years of sunshine and fluctuating humidity and temperatures later have meant that the sensitive wagons and carts are showing noticeable signs of decay and weathering. A major HLF bid in 2016 to re-build these basic sheds was unfortunately unsuccessful, and trustees are now having to re-think their future plans.

The advantages of keeping wooden vehicles out of sunlight and rain and minimising climatic variations can be clearly seen at Hartlebury Castle, home of the Worcestershire County Museum. First opened in 1966 this museum was fortunate to acquire a number of important gypsy caravans in its first decade of existence, and adopted a policy of conserving rather than restoring these as well as the usual complement of carts, wagons and passenger vehicles. Those that required more structural intervention and consequent re-painting have had a chance to age, and the whole collection now has a mellow appearance, akin to many items within the RCM collection.

At Glastonbury the Somerset Rural Life Museum occupies the site of a former farm within easy walking distance of the town centre – a similar situation to RCM. The collection includes large items of horse-drawn machinery as well as smaller artefacts that have been carefully woven together in themed displays following a recent successful bid for Lottery funding. This award also coincided with a change in governance from County Council control to management by a Trust. The museum utilises its town location to advantage by running a series of craft and educational activities and offering facilities for community groups to use.

The rural past of Norfolk receives due recognition at Gressenhall, near Norwich. This museum shares its home with workhouse-themed displays in an impressive early nineteenth-century building. Large internal areas provide environmental protection for exhibits and plenty of circulation space for visitors. Whilst there is a range of horse-drawn vehicles there is little duplication of types, and those on display are used to illustrate the chosen storyline. This museum is another that has benefitted from Heritage Lottery support, and the design team have employed a number of imaginative low and high tech ways of engaging with audiences. The Norfolk service, with its groundbreaking county/district joint committee, is one of the largest county services in the country – it manages 10 sites, including a working farm at Gressenhall.

When compared with these and other examples of rural life museums the Rutland County Museum stands up well. Without doubt the assembled collection is regionally-significant in extent and quality, and combines this with being locally-distinctive. It is well-documented

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and managed, with high standards of collection care. It is housed in an extraordinary building on a convenient and accessible site for the public, who clearly appreciate the diversity of the visitor offer and contribute to a high level of community engagement. These are all the fundamental underpinnings of a successful service, and it is to be hoped that any future changes do not impinge upon these significant strengths.

RH, 22/10/18

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7 Significance scoring framework for RCM agricultural / craft collections

Score Uniqueness Surface condition Completeness / Provenance Production Interpretative value (Weighting x2) Originality 5 International Retains 90% or more of All original parts present, Comprehensive One-off piece, Iconic object; draws importance. Renowned original finish with some including associated tools record of past possibly made emotional response from and rare example but wear from use (spanners, starting handles, ownership and use, by/for previous viewer without extensive one that fits with RCM etc) including anecdotal owner/user intervention CDP information, to tell story 4 Nationally significant. Retains 50-90% of Limited number of minor Key dates and usage Locally-produced Recognisable object for One of very limited original finish with parts not present, integrity of information present by skilled majority of visitors who number of UK obvious wear from use whole not affected craftsman/artisan have some prior survivors. Recorded in in small numbers. knowledge of RMN surveys or MERL Local design technique/process data involved 3 Regional importance. Retains less than 50% of Repairs undertaken or Basic location/donor Factory-made Can be used as a Significant within East original finish with replacement parts of correct information only within county or supporting object of collections oxidisation/decay specification fitted to object East of England amongst others to present and/or damage support storyline. from use Potential for handling or use 2 Local or county Partly restored – new Significant number of parts Secondary source Factory-made Requires contextual importance. finishes applied to some missing; likely to limit identification of elsewhere in UK framework/interpretation Reflecting variations in areas in a sympathetic interpretative potential of the object only; no local for understanding of local life, farming treatment object knowledge object and use practice or implement design 1 Commonplace within Full cosmetic restoration Insufficient remaining of No provenance or Production Unlikely to significantly other agricultural undertaken since original object to merit associated history or details/maker aid public understanding collections, or entering museum retention, other than for outside collecting not known of process/activity duplicated within RCM collection – no original spare parts area finish survives

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8 Main Hall Display

Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments General objects 1968.108 Reaper binder Massey Harris, used at Ryhall 2 1 5 4 2 4 20 Good restoration, complete with canvases. Tractor drawn. 1969.342 Turnip chopper Used at Leighfield Not identified 1969.419 Mangle Made for J. G. Smith, Oakham 2 1 4 3 2 4 18 1969.428 Turret clock 17th C, from Loddington Hall 3 4 4 4 4 3 25 Stables 1969.459 Invalid scales Used at Catmose Vale Hospital 2 4 5 4 2 3 22 1970.158.1 Steel tea chest Used in Oakham Not identified 1970.158.2 Steel tea chest Used in Oakham Not identified 1971.38 Root slicer Made by Mason and Co, used 2 3 5 4 2 3 21 Original wooden base, at Lyddington repainted ironwork 1971.55 Box mangle Used at Oakham and 3 5 5 4 2 3 25 In production from 1870s Ranksborough Hall 1970.121 Wagon Made in Lincs, used at Preston 5 5 4 4 4 5 32 Historic damage to floor 1970.134 Perambulator Purchased 1917, used at 2 5 4 4 2 5 24 Sold by Furley and Hassan, Ashwell Oakham 1972.27 Winnower Used at Preston 1 5 5 3 3 3 21 1972.54 Cobblers Late 19thC, used at Greetham 3 5 5 5 5 3 29 Ref 'Rutland Record' 12, pp workbench 84-86 1974.35 Chaff cutter Cambs. provenance 3 5 5 1 4 3 24 Not intended for chaff - rarer reed cutter 1974.38.1, 2, Scales & weights Avery barn scales, used at 1 2 5 3 2 4 18 Older re-paint 3, 4, 5 Langham 1974.94 Washing basket Wooden, from Oakham 2 4 4 3 4 3 22 1975.115.4 Turnip drill Gowers, Shropshire - no local 1 4 5 1 2 2 16 Widespread implement provenenance 1979.29 Stationary Hired Man, from Kettering 2 1 5 1 2 2 15 engine 12

Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1982.657 Pig cratch No provenenance 2 4 5 1 4 3 21 1982.948 Mangle/washing Used at Ryhall 3 2 5 3 2 4 22 No. 1C Chain Dolly Washer m. 1983.13 Patisson Tractor Golf course tractor 4 2 4 5 2 3 22 Only known example in UK museums. Well documented. 1987.27.1 Sack barrow Wooden, used at Empingham 1 3 4 4 3 4 20 1987.43 Saunderson Built 1916, used at Little 4 3 4 4 2 5 26 One of c. 40 in UK, of which Tractor Casterton 6 are in museum collections. 1989.36 Rocking horse From Uppingham 2 4 3 5 4 5 25 1997.69 Trap From Lord Lonsdale, Oakham 3 5 5 5 2 4 27 2015.4 Militia gun From Exton Hall, Exton 5 3 4 5 5 4 31

Kitchen objects - assessed as a collection 2 4 4 3 2 4 21 Built-in range, copper and window add authenticity 1968.66 Horn beaker Used in county 1968.80.1 Frying pan 19th C, heavy construction 1968.170T Handbag From Market Overton 1968.177 Teapot With stand, from Oakham 1969.1.1 Toasting fork From Braunston 1969.1.9 Bedwarmer From Braunston 1969.2.4 Water cask From Langham 1969.2.8.1 Spigot From Langham 1969.2.8.2 Spigot From Langham 1969.2.10 Spice drawers Late 19thC, from Langham 1969.23 Ladle No provenance 1969.25 Iron stand c. 1906, from 1969.186.8 Horn beaker Rutland association 1969.300T Cheese cutter 19th C, used at Ketton 1969.307 Peg rug Made by Mrs Johnson c. 1900

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Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1969.313 Carver chair Built to 1/5th scale late 19th C 1969.316.1 Jelly mould From Old Forge, Oakham 1969.316.2 Jelly mould From Old Forge, Oakham 1969.41 Kitchen range Late 19th C, Oakham 1969.414 Mantle alarm Late 19th C, from Wing clock 1969.446 Clothes Horse c. 1900, used at Langham 1969.473 Chopping board 19th C, from Oakham 1970.102 Stool Late 19th C, from Greetham 1970.126 Sleeve board From Lonsdale House, Oakham 1971.199 Tin of grate Reckitt and Colman, from polish Langham 1971.259 Steamer Early 20th C, from Langham 1971.260T Steamer Heavy construction, from Langham 1971.272 Kettle Enamel/steel, from Langham 1971.275 Saucepan Cast iron, from Langham 1971.277 Coal savers Clay balls, from Langham 1972.18 Washing tub Used in Oakham 1972.21.1 Scrubbing board Local provenence 1972.62.3 Bar of soap From Whitwell 1973.27 Besom broom From Oakham 1973.54 Photo Subject of pigeon fanciers 1974.62.6 Pair of shoe pads Made by Revere Rubber Coy 1974.71.2 Boot c. 1920, from Ridlington 1975.50.3.1 Kitchen Fork Bone-handled, from Morcott 1975.50.5 Egg Separator Wire, from Morcott 1975.50.7 Kitchen funnel Wooden, from Morcott 1975.70T Lamp oil bottle Midland Oil Co., from Oakham 1976.10.2 Bean slicer German make, from Greetham 14

Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1976.15 Kettle From Glaston 1976.16 Stoneware jar From Market Overton 1977.45.13.1 Box iron From Empingham 1977.45.13.2 Smoothing iron From Empingham 1978.7 Knife and Fork Horn handle, from Langham 1978.86 Two dishes Willow pattern, from Oakham 1978.87 Saucepan Black enamel, from Oakham 1980.8.1 Hymn book 1891, from Oakham 1981.22.1 Photo Market Overton school, 1890 1981.22.2 Photo Market Overton school, 1890 1981.49.1 Stewpot From Ashwell 1982.698 Photo From Barleythorpe 1982.702 Certificate Manton National School, 1884 1982.912 Pastry roller No provenance 1982.918 Wicker basket No provenance 1983.14.2 Stoneware dish Pie dish, from Barrowden 1983.49 Knife polish In cardboard container, from Langham 1984.42 Hip bath From Uppingham 1985.29 Oil lamp From Oakham 1985.74 Copper Made from iron, from Langham 1985.75 Window frame From Langham 1985.77 Kitchen sink From Oakham 1985.78 Cast water pump Late 19th C, from Oakham 1986.18.1 Pestle Wooden, from Braunston 1986.24.2 Enamel/steel jug One pint, from Oakham 1986.59 Work boots From Preston 1986.73 Coffee pot From Ketton

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Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1988.9 Raffia bag From Uppingham 1990.40T Knitting machine Hosiery machine, from Lincs

Also noted but not assessed

Grain kibbler

Sack lifting truck

John Deacon' mill Washing tub, wooden Cast iron bandsaw, belt driven Single row root drill, Peppercorn and Co, Maidstone Single row drill

9 Courtyard Display Number Object name Brief description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1968.114 Plough S F, made by Hornsby Hardy 3 2 4 3 3 4 22 Interesting box section beam 1968.151 Plough Turnwrest Kentish design 4 2 5 4 2 4 25 1968.152 Plough S F, Wooden beam, made 3 2 4 5 4 4 25 Repaired handle, missing Knight of Great Casterton share 1968.153 Wagon Hermaphrodite, made near 4 4 5 5 4 5 31 Melton 1968.154 Plough S F, wooden beam, Cooke 3 2 4 1 3 4 20 1968.155 Plough Rutland plough (ref Baker), 4 2 4 4 4 5 27 Ransomes 1968.157 Plough Balance plough, Davey Sleep 1 2 4 1 2 3 14 Plymouth made. Designed for horse power. 1969.108 Seed Drill 12 row 3 2 4 3 3 3 21 Made by F. Walker, Tisthby, Notts. Interesting forecarriage 1969.172 Scuffle Adjustable row crop design 1 2 5 1 2 2 14 16

Number Object name Brief description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1969.326.8 Shafts, set For use on wooden-wheeled 1 2 4 3 4 2 17 Unclear as to which vehicle vehicle this set belongs 1969.407 Wagon Made by Stubbs of 4 4 4 4 4 5 29 Barrowden, c. 1930s 1969.408 Dray c.1930s 2 3 4 4 3 4 22 W/W damage in past. Elm flooring 1969.409 Muck cart Made by Hinman, Himbleton 2 4 5 3 4 4 24 1969.418 Plough D F, made by Knight, Great 3 2 3 3 4 5 23 Missing one share Casterton 1969.450T Plough S F, Davey Sleep 1 2 3 3 2 3 15 Ridging plough - small example, missing coulter 1970.166 Sail Reaper Made by Edlington, 4 4 4 3 3 3 25 Lesser-known maker Gainsborough 1970.167 Threshing Made by Hornsby, 1890 2 3 4 4 3 3 21 Maker number 6381 machine 1970.168 Tractor Fordson Major, made 1947 1 2 4 4 2 4 18 Original rear tyres 1971.36 Cart Early 20th century 2 4 5 4 4 4 25 Advanced decay/woodworm in wheels 1971.40T Rake Horse-drawn, made by 1 2 5 4 3 4 20 Spliced repair to shafts Blackstone 1971.156 Game Larder From Barleythorpe - Earl of 4 2 3 5 4 3 25 Lonsdale 1974.115.2 Hay Tedder Made by Jeffrey, Stamford, c. 2 2 4 1 3 3 17 Lesser-known maker 1875 1974.115.3 Mower Made by Bamford and Son, 1 2 4 1 2 3 14 For two horses, converted to 1920s tractor use 1976.36 Muck Cart Made by Baines, Oakham 3 4 4 4 4 4 26 Lighter vehicle that most muck carts. Decay to shafts 1980.12 Tractor Grey Ferguson tractor, 1949 1 2 5 2 2 4 17 Petrol version. Original tyres on rear 1980.13 Plough D F, tractor mounted 1 2 4 1 2 4 16 1980.14 Carting box Used with 1980.12 above 1 2 5 1 2 3 16 Usually termed Transport Box

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Number Object name Brief description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1990.29 Tractor wheels Pair of spud or lug rear wheels 1 3 4 3 2 2 16 Unclear as to which tractor these relate. Heavily rusted. 1992.13.5 Potato digger Blackstones no 1, made in 1 1 4 1 3 3 15 Stamford

Additionally observed on visit to collection, 10/8/18 n/k Thistle cutter Wm Brenton, St. Germans, 2 1 3 1 2 2 13 Cornwall n/k Fertiliser Massey Harris 2 1 3 3 2 2 15 Tractor drawn spreader n/k Cart Road vehicle, cranked axle, 2 1 4 1 3 4 17 Artillery hubs, wooden blue wheels. No maker's name n/k Wagon Ex. E. M. Brookes, Old Leake, 4 4 4 3 4 5 28 Lincs

Also noted but not assessed Single row root drill Dray in corner of yard

10 Poultry Hall Display

Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments General objects 1967.29 Printer's Made by Payne and Sons; 2 5 5 4 2 3 23 guillotine Alderman Matkins 1967.30T Straw matting HSI Spider Straw Matting 4 2 5 3 2 3 23 Made by Harvest Saver machine machine and implements 1968.77 Petrol pump Used at Ridlington 2 4 4 4 2 2 20 18

Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1968.102.1 Bench plane No information Not identified 1968.201 Coffee mill Shop use from Uppingham 2 3 5 4 2 3 21 1968.202 Dried Fruit Used at Uppingham 2 4 5 4 2 3 22 Cleaner 1969.107 Seed Drill Hand pushed, 19th century 1 4 5 4 2 2 19 1969.109 Winnower Late 19th century 1 4 4 1 2 3 16 Duplicate of of 1972/27 in Main Hall but with cutaway section 1969.157.6 Malt shovel Wooden, metal fittings 1 4 3 1 3 3 16 1969.189 Dry measure Peck, unknown provenance 1 3 3 1 1 2 12 1969.252 8 dry measures From Clipsham 1 4 4 3 1 2 16 1969.252.2 Dry measure Bushel, from Empingham 1 3 4 3 1 2 15 1969.322 Cake breaker Late 19th century 3 3 5 2 3 3 22 Norwich made. Domestic/retail rather than farming use 1969.326.9 Grindstone Hand powered 1 1 4 3 1 3 14 1969.343 Shop scales From Edith Weston village 2 3 4 4 2 4 21 shop 1969.403 Dough oven From Barrowden 3 5 5 4 4 3 27 1969.463 Lawn mower Pony powered 2 3 5 3 3 4 22 1970.151 Baker's Made in 1913, used in Ryhall 3 5 5 5 4 4 29 handcart 1971.37 Pulper Used at Lyddington 1 1 5 3 2 3 16 Benthall's TPD model - small 1971.43 Sewing Singer 29K15 1 5 4 3 2 4 20 machine 1971.68 Grinding wheel Treadle powered, used at 2 3 4 3 3 3 20 Unusual design Hambleton 1971.160T Sewing For patching - used by 2 4 4 4 2 4 22 machine Bradshaws, Oakham 1972.91 Seed drill Hand powered, made by H. Not identified Fuller, Horsham 19

Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1973.29 Water barrow Made by Murray Linder, 3 3 5 3 2 4 23 Cheltenham 1973.53 Handcart Used by builder R.J. Baines, 3 4 4 4 4 4 26 Oakham 1973.104 Seed dresser Made by Boby, used at Ketton 3 5 5 3 2 2 23 1974.30T Hay loader Used at Burley 2 4 4 3 2 2 19 1974.63 Travel trunk 1930s, used in Oakham 2 5 5 3 2 2 21 1974.98 School desk From Knossington CE Primary 1 5 4 1 2 4 18 School 1974.103 Sack barrow From Mkt Harborough 1 3 4 1 1 3 14 1975.34 Shearing Used at Greetham Not identified machine 1976.59.1 Printing press Treadle operated, used at 2 4 5 4 2 3 22 Matkins, Oakham 1977.43.4 Potato riddle Used at Cottesmore Not identified stand 1978.101.2 Corn grinder Used at Braunston 1 4 5 3 2 3 19 Made by Randolph Meech, Poole, Dorset 1978.107 Rotary screen Purchased 3 4 5 3 3 2 23 1979.23.1 Mortice cutter The Monarch, used at 1 2 4 3 2 2 15 Monarch brand was Bisbrooke made in . Likely to be late 19thC. 1979.40T Potato sorter Made by Edlington, 2 4 3 2 Gainsborough 1980.21.19 Whitewash Used at Harby 1 1 1 3 bucket 1982.60T Honey Little wonder make, lid 1 3 4 1 2 3 15 Made by Dadant extractor missing 1982.576 Set of 3 Wooden framed 1 2 4 1 3 2 14 harrows 1982.624 Turnpike road Oakham 2 5 3 4 4 3 23 chest

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Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1983.31 Milepost Canal milepost 3 1 5 3 3 3 21 1985.2 Push hoe Used at Manton 1 3 1 3 1985.68 Hoist wheel Used at Horn 2 4 4? 3 1987.24.1 Scythe 1 1 1 3 1987.32.47 Coke stove Purchased - used in Oakham 2 3 1 3 1987.32.50 Pillar drill Purchased - used in Oakham 1 3 1 3 1987.32.136 Portable Used at Oakham Rugby Club 3 4 4 3 4 3 24 Plumber's workshop, workshop then changing room at rugby club 1992.15 Pig weigher Used at Lyddington 2 5 5 3 2 3 22 1993.6.1 Riding saddle Made by Illsley, Oakham 1 4 4 4 1993.37.2 Sack holder Used in Lincs. 1 4 5 1 1 2 15 1994.29 Trade Bicycle Used by Fords, Oakham 1 1 4 4 1 4 16 1994.57 Shearing Used in Leics. 1 4 4 3 3 2 18 Lister maker - no blades machine 2015.13 Stove From Normanton Hall 2 5 5 4 2 3 23

Dairying/Milking Objects - Assessed as a collection 3 4 4 3 2 4 23 Includes unusual butter churns and other items 1968.103 Butter bowl Used at Langham 1968.116 Butter worker From Exton 1968.125.2 Cheese mould Used at Clipsham 1968.136 Butter churn Used in Leics, on stand 1969.1.4.1 Cream From Braunston measure 1969.1.4.2 Cream From Braunston measure 1969.2.11 Cream can From Langham 1969.2.12.3 Milk Pancheon Earthenware, from Langham 1969.2.13 Pitcher Stoneware, from Langham

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Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1969.91 Neck yoke From Burley 1969.191 Butter churn Table-top, from Gt Casterton 1970.4 Butter churn Used in Uppingham, on stand 1970.29 Cream From Ketton Skimmer 1970.46 Butter spade Rutland association 1970.131.16.1 Milk measure Gill; used in Oakham 1971.49 Butter churn Owned Oakham, on stand 1971.50T Milk delivery Used in Oakham cart 1971.196 Milk can Brown enamel, 3 pints 1971.220T Cream From Hambleton skimmer 1973.80T Milk delivery With measures, used in cart Uppingham 1974.7.1 Pair of butter From Uppingham pats 1974.12 Plunger churn From Uppingham 1975.41.1 Milk strainer Used at Hambleton 1976.5 Milk bottle Half pint, from Uppingham 1977.63.1.2 Cheese hoop Large, metal, used at Langham 1977.63.1.3 Cheese hoop Small, metal, used at Langham 1977.63.2 Milk Pancheon Metal, used at Langham 1977.63.4 Glass butter 6 pint, used at Langham churn 1977.63.4 Milk measure Listers, 1 pint, used at Langham 1977.63.5 Milk measure Half pint 1978.32.1 Milk cooler Listers, used at Braunston 1978.32.3 Water tank Used with milk cooler - from Braunston 22

Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments 1978.32.3 Two milk Enamelled, from Braunston pancheons 1978.32.4 Cream Enamelled, from Braunston skimmer 1978.32.5 Milk bottle Half pint, from Braunston 1981.11 Metal Milk 1930s, from Leics dairy churn 1982.11.3 Milk can Enamelled, from Ryhall 1982.11.4 Milk can Tinned, from Ryhall 1982.892.1 Milk bottle Half pint, from Ketton 1985.54 Milk measure Half pint, from Braunston 1991.45.1 In-churn milk Used in Leics. cooler 1994.48 Cream Used at Lyddington separator

Blacksmithing / Metalworking objects - assessed as a collection 1 3 3 3 2 3 16 1968.85 Shoeing stand From Ketton 1970.24 Blacksmith From Clipsham estate bellows 1970.4 Horseshoe Broad, dished 1971.46.23 Pipe wrench From Braunston 1971.46.29 Tongs From Braunston 1971.46.34 Anvil From Braunston 1971.142.6 Shoeing stand 1974.62.1 Five From Oakham horseshoes 1974.62.3 Horseshoe Heavy horse, from Oakham 1974.62.4 Horseshoe Polo plate shoe, from Oakham 1974.62.5 Horseshoe Light racing plate, from Oakham 23

Number Object name Brief Description Unique. Condit. Complt. Proven. Product. Interpret. Total Comments

Crime and Punishment objects - assessed as a collection 4 4 4 5 5 4 30 1973.44 Oakham 19th C 'New Drop' version Gallows 1973.50.1 Manacles Used in Oakham 1973.50.4 Manacles Used in Oakham 1973.50.7 Manacles Used in Oakham 1973.51.1 Handcuffs Used in Oakham 1973.51.5 Handcuffs Used in Oakham 1975.18 Whipping post From Edith Weston

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