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This cross stave probably formed part of a Kent plough. It is formed of two vertical pieces of wood, and two wooden cross bars. The lower bar is shaped on its upper surface to cradle the plough beam. This cross stave was probably used to adjust the height of the beam on a Kent plough.

1 cross stave: wood

MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – 'Cross Stave (Cultivating - Ploughing) // The Science Museum // The name cross stave has been obtained from the notes of Miss Lavinia Smith (see 51/504L). The wooden frame gallows appears to have been used for adjusting the height of the beam on a Kent plough. // [pencil sketch]', MERL ‘History Artefacts’ card – 'Notes // Description; Two vertical pieces of wood, wider at the bottom than at the top. // Two cross bars, through which the uprights are slotted - the lower so that it moves freely up and down these. The lower bar is shaped on its upper surface to cradle the plough beam. The upper; narrower + curved. Two vertical lines of holes on each * // Use: the wooden frame gallows appears to have been used for adjusting the height of the beam on a Kent plough. // Desc. cont * upright to take pegs to hold beam-rest at desired height.'