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Marsden Brothers (Manufacturer)

This pair of mens skates were used for skating on frozen flooded fenlands c.1850s-1940s. They are made of wood and steel with leather straps, and have curved runners. In the local area, such skates were known as 'fen runners'. These skates were made by Maisden Bros of Sheffield.

pair of skates: wood, metal, leather

MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – 'Skates // See Recording Form // Smaller mens skates made of wood and steel with curved runners and leather straps. // Length: 30.0cm.', 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