[nb-NO]Object number[nb-NO]
66/140/1-3
[nb-NO]Creator[nb-NO]
[nb-NO]Description[nb-NO]
This is a green wooden pack saddle, used for attaching to donkeys' back to carry produce (including seaweed) up and down cliffs. This example was made by a local carpenter George Gill and was used by Frank Woodrow at Branscombe, Devon.
[nb-NO]Physical description[nb-NO]
1 donkey pack saddle: wood; metal; leather; rope; good condition
[nb-NO]Archival history[nb-NO]
MERL Recording Form - ‘Name of Object: Donkey Pack Saddle and Straps // Name and Address of Owner: Lady Spencer, Seaton, Devon // Date: December 12 1965 // Who used it: Mr Frank Woodrow. “Moorside” Branscombe. // When was it used: from 1939 to 1965 (still unable) there now remains one other set in use in the village but Mr Woodrow (aged 76) knows that the grandfather used similar saddles and remembers a time when there were 35 working donkeys.//How was it: It was strapped onto the donkey’s back and used for carrying produce up and down the cliffs and for transporting seaweed from the shore to the “Platts” (cliff small cultivated areas. Cliffs are called “Cleves” by the older generation)// Where was it used: BRANSCOMBE, near SEATON, DEVON. // Has it a local name: yes- SADDLE and CRUBS and straps are Gesses (Devon dialect difficult to spell!) // When this object was used do you know if it was common on many parts of the country or only in the place from which it came: I believe donkeys have used for similar work in other parts of the country (eg On the Quantocks in N. Somerset)- but do not know if the saddles were the same. // Mr George Gill, Holmyard, Street, Branscombe. (local carpenter who died in 1945) // When was it made 1939 // Where was it made: In Mr George Gills carpenters shop behind the Fountain Head Inn// From what materials is the object made: Saddle- mainly wood, with metal reinforcements and protective shields. Padded underneath with reed (as used for thatching) barely straw and sacking. Crubs- wood with iron bolts- rope strings, Strap- leather with brass buckles. // Is it corroded or broken or damaged in any other way: The metal parts of the saddle are slightly rusty and the sacking is worn in places.// What are it approx. measurements: Saddles at base approx 24”, height 18”, depth from front wback approx18”. Crubs approx. 16” wide, 24” high. Spain of both crubs when open from 4’-5’. // Have you a photograph of the object: Yes enclosed// Additional information: The crubs being hinged fold up over the saddle when not in use for transporting goods- and when open a donkey can carry up to ½ ton on each side. When the donkey is being used for transporting sea-weed, the animal goes into the rocks with the driver and stands still while the weed in cut and traded. The mild climate experienced on the cliffs at Branscombe new potatoes were much softer after the local rowas. The younger men do not find the hard work and long hours entailed economic and they do not work on the cliffs. //[pencil drawing].’
[nb-NO]Production place[nb-NO]
Branscombe
[nb-NO]Date[nb-NO]
1939-01-01
[nb-NO]Object name[nb-NO]
[nb-NO]Material[nb-NO]
[nb-NO]External document[nb-NO]
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_11255.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_11256.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_11257.tif - High resolution image
