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A side rake is a thatching tool used in the preparation of straw for thatching to rake out unsuitable pieces such as weeds, a process known as 'yelming' or 'gabbling'.

1 side rake: wood; metal; good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'Thatching combs are used in the preparation of the straw, a process known as YELMING or GABBLING. All unsuitable pieces, including weeds, are removed by the comb and the strands are arranged level in bunches. The straw is then damped and carried up to the roof. Sometimes the straw is smoothed down with a comb after the bundles or YELMS have been put in place on the roof. // This comb consists of a round piece of wood 18 inches in length, with 4 long nails thrust through it at right angles.', Lavinia Smith No. 341, Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // 341. A comb for combing out straw.', Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) [page 31] - 'No.341 // [pencil sketch] // Used by Mrs Sally Stoter // Piece of broom stick about 16 in. long // for combing out the straw.'

Wood, Metal

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)
Stoter, Sally