Name/TitleGypsy Caravan

About this objectA Burton type gypsy caravan. Believed by the donor to have been built c. 1880's. There is a brake on the rear which was operated by a turn wheel at the front. The door at the front is of the stable type, the top half divided in two vertically, each with a glass panel. There is a platform in front of the door. There is a two pane window with sliding shutters on each side and at the back. Van sprung by a leaf spring. The central part of the roof is raised from front to back. The van has been damaged by fire particularly at the back and along the left side. The original interior has been gutted. It was used by itinerant farm workers in the fens who travelled from farm to farm, ditching, turnip lifting, beet lifting etc.

Date Madecirca 1880s

Inscription and MarksIt is heavily ornate, the decoration includes a man and two horses on the back. There is much scroll decoration on the back and side panels and also scroll and floral pattern carved on the front.
On the hub caps: ' EASTLICK & SON (at top) OSTWITHILL (along bottom BUILDERS (in the middle.) There is a date on the front axle-1907.

MeasurementsOverall length: 390cms.; width: 190cms.; height: 340cms.; diameter of front wheels: 108cms. with 12 spokes; rear wheels: 120cms. diameter and with 14 spokes.
Platform: 46cms

Object Typecaravan

Object numberSTMEA:81.A.11

Copyright LicenceAttribution - Non-commercial (cc)