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This gate latch, thought to date from the mid-nineteenth century, was originally used on a gate to a fold yard on Hall Farm, Gestingthorpe, Essex. It may have also been made in Gestingthorpe, which at the time had an iron foundry, but this is not known for certain.

Gate latch: metal

MERL ‘Associated information’ form – 'Age... about 100 years // Who used it and where? Used on a gate to fold yard adjacent to a large barn on Hall Farm, Gestingthorpe, Essex. // ... Any other information. In 1868 there was a flourishing iron foundry in Gestingthorpe. Downs plough shares were well known. I know of no record of wrought iron work made but I should think it likely.', Letter, Miss Oates to Mr Higgs, 14th September 1956 - 'I am wondering if a wrought iron farm gate latch would be acceptable for your collection. This drawing is the exact size + came off an old gate in a fold yard now demolished. I think the latch is rather uncommon + you may not have one like it from Essex.'

1825-01-01 - 1874-12-31

Mid-nineteenth century