61/205

This is a Lincolnshire type 'hermaphrodite' wagon, so called because it is a two-wheeled cart which could be converted to a four-wheeled wagon when a larger load was to be carried. It was used until the mid-twentieth century at Ambrose Farm, Hampstead Norris, Berkshire, where it was also called a 'morph' wagon. It was made by a wheelwright at Tetford, Lincolnshire, as one of six which cost £20 each.

One Wagon: Wood; Metal (Iron); good condition

MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – ‘HERMAPHRODITE // Transport - Land - Goods // 61/205 // neg. 35/6173, 60/6094, 60/6095, 60/9467-68 // [...] Hampstead Norris, Berkshire // From Ambrose Barn & Yard, Hampstead Norris, Berkshire. Mr Vincent who managed the farm for Sit William insists that the local name is 'Morph'. // Width 79" // Length 156" ', MERL Recording form – ‘Who used it: The owner // When was it used: until recently // How was it used: Harvest wagon and cart // Where was it used: Brought to Wyld Court, 1919 and used there // Has it a local name: Morph // When this object was used do you know if it was common in many parts of the country or only in the place from which it came: // Who made it: Wheelwright at Tetford, Lincs. Was one of 6 morphs made for Sir Wm Cooke at the same time. Cost £20 each. // When was it made: Winter 1910/11 // Where was it made: TETFORD Lincs // From what materials is the object made: // Is it corroded or broken or damaged in any other way: // What are its approximate measurements: // Have you a photograph of the object: // Has it any unusual characteristics: // Additional information: Painted and repaired by Mikson of Bucklebury // Could you please make a rough sketch of the object: ‘, Letter, Clare Vincent to MERL, 5 September 1961 - 'Before Sir William left this morning he handed me your letter to him of Sep 1st. He wishes me to say that he will be very pleased to give you the Lincolnshire morph, which you saw at Ambrose Yard the other day, for your museum. The waggon, and the Rainforth dray, must I'm, afraid, go through the sale on Oct 18th so perhaps you can manage to buy one, or both, as I don't suppose they will make much.', MERL ‘Workshop Treatment’ form – ‘Date: 18th July 1969 // Accession Number: 61/205 // Name of object: Hermaphrodite // Description of treatment…: Manure cart [...]’, MERL ‘Workshop Treatment’ form – ‘Date: 14 January 1976 // Accession Number: 61/205 // Name of object: Hermaphrodite // Description of treatment…: Washed and given 1 coat shellac. /// D.R. Turner’

Tetford

1910-11 - 1911-02

Wagon, Lincolnshire, Wagon, hermaphrodite

Metal, iron, Wood

Cooke, William (Owner)