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Wiltshire plough,

Hiscock Brothers (Maker)

This is a wooden Wiltshire plough. It was used on a farm in the village of All Cannings, in Wiltshire. It is thought to have been made by three brothers called Hiscock, possibly also in All Cannings. The plough is made from apple wood, and could be used in wet weather which was not suitable for iron ploughs. It was used by a first prize winner in the wooden plough class at a 1912 Pewsey Vale ploughing match.

1 plough: wood

Letter, John Butler to MERL, 20th December 1954 - 'Wooden ploughs were used in the Pewsey Vale for over 100 years. They could be used in wet weather when iron ploughs could not be used. I had six, + sent 3 horses on a plough, with a man + boy, we often drove the horses at length, so they all walked in the furrow, not to tread the stand, often the water ran in the furrow behind the plough. There were 3 brothers by name Hiscock, who made these ploughs. The turn furrow was made from apple wood, one of my men took the first prize in the wooden plough class + champion prize against all competitors at a ploughing match held in the Pewsey Vale about 1912. I do not think any one uses them now...', Letter, Mr H. Wight to Mr Jenkins, 3rd December 1954 - 'Your letter of 2nd was recieved for which I thank you. Unfortunately I know very little about this plough. There were three complete ploughs at All Cannings sale held about the end of September also parts of another. I bought two and the parts. Mr John Butler the retiring farmer still lives in the farm house in the village of All Cannings. These ploughs probably belonged to his father. I feel sure Mr Butler will give you any information you require. He was an exceptionally good farmer. His hay crop was in ricks all thatched... His harvest was finished by mid September all in ricks and nearly all thatched on sale day (no combine harvester). His was a large farm...'

1900-01-01 - 1924-12-31

Early-twentieth century