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Marsden Brothers (Manufacturer)

This pair of ladies' skates were used for skating on frozen flooded fenlands c.1850s-1940s. They are made of wood and iron with leather straps, and the runners have rounded ends. They are fixed onto boots. In the local area, such skates were known as 'fen rollers'. These skates were made by Maisden Bros of Sheffield.

pair of skates: wood, metal, leather

MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – 'Skates with Boots // see Recording Form // Ladies skates made of wood and iron with leather straps. The runners have rounded ends. These skates are fixed onto boots. // Length: 26.0cm.', MERL Recording form – 'Who used it // anyone // When was it used // Probably used for some centuries these examples used 1850-1940s (I learned on smallest in 1920's). // How was it used // For skating on flooded fenlands // Where was it used // Fens // Has it a local name // Fen runners - those with points // Fen follers - those without points - for ladies. // 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 // Used mainly in the Fens // Who made it // Maisden Bros of Sheffield made some // When was it made // These... C19th // Has it any unusual characteristics // Today made all of steel. // Additional information // Note the smallest sizes - very young children skated - well before present day school age.'

Sheffield

1850 - 1940

Wood, Metal, iron, Leather