62/439

A spade iron was fastened to the underside of the boot to protect the footwear during hard digging and to provide a solid surface on which to push. This spade iron was donated as part of a collection of objects which were nearly all made and/or used in the local area around Freeford Hall, Lichfield, Staffordshire. Much of the ironwork in that collection was made by a local blacksmith, Tom Windridge.

1 spade iron: metal

MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – 'SPADE IRON // prob. local.', MERL miscellaneous note – ‘Accessions 62/400 – 62/507. // Items given to the museum by Major R.A. Dyott, Manor of Freeford, Lichfield, Staffordshire. // He started the museum in 1912 and gathered items of local origin and kept things that had been in everyday use about the Manor and on the farms. He was friendly with the local smith, Tom Windridge who did jobs for him over many years. Much of the ironwork is made by Windridge and is so indicated on the acc. Sheets. // Nearly all the items were found or used locally – see topographical entries.’, MERL miscellaneous note – ‘Note on visit to Major R.A. Dyott, Manor of Freeford, Lichfield. // The Major said that he would be willing to give a large part of his collection to the Museum if we can arrange for transport. He knows quite a lot about the individual items and is prepared to dictate details to whoever goes to collect the material. // The collection is a mixture of the useful and the peculiar – I have listed some of the items below. // Small wagon, panel sided, red, in good condition kept inside, (has new oak cross floorboards – originals were lengthwise) plus shafts and ladders // A number of handtools and other items made by the local blacksmith – the Major told him to make one of everything so after the blacksmith’s death he would have them to hand – a number have found their way into the collection. // Domestic items include servants bells, set of beer ration mugs used when the beer was brewed at the Manor. Malt grinding mill, maids’ oil lamps, trivets, coffee mill, copper kitchen ware. Pewter plates // Domestic three cylinder water pump used for supply from a spring. It was made in 1845 and was replaced only after the War. Restored and in good condition. // Four hubs and some blacksmith’s wheelwrighting tools. // All the items above were made in the area of Freeford or in Lichfield itself – he wished to have a record of local material…’