Name/TitleStonepicker's Box
About this objectThe item is an oblong wooden box, with a leather strap handle, metal studs holding the base and nails holding the handle. The box was used for holding stones collected from the field by stone pickers.
Stone picking was necessary to prevent, as much as possible, damage to plough shares and other farming equipment, caused by striking stones. It was a job undertaken during the winter months by men, women and children, who were paid "by the load". In 1772, records, from a Cambridgeshire farm, suggest a rate of pay of 1s. 6d. per load for adults.
Medium and MaterialsLeather Straps
Metal Studs
Wooden Box
MeasurementsLength: 225mm
Width: 160mm
Depth: 125mm
Length of Base: 115mm
Width of Base: 132mm
Object Typebox
Object numberSTMEA:1987-3.39
Copyright Licence
Attribution - Non-commercial (cc)
