Name/TitleGame Larder

About this objectThis small wooden building resembles a small shed. It is painted green on the outside, and the inside is completely covered with a perforated zinc lining. It is formed by louvred panels on all sides to allow for ventilation when the game is hung inside. Two roof supports each carry 2 rows of 16 game hooks, totalling 64 game hooks. A narrow shelf each side of the length of the shed inside is placed 3ft from the floor. The key in the lock of the door is in working order. The larder was used by the previous occupiers of Hildersham Hall and was positioned by the house.

Richard Hall, Research Volunteer:
It was manufactured, supplied and delivered to the nearest rail station in ‘Kit-form’ by Boulton and Paul of Norwich. This item first appeared in their sales catalogue, number 43, in 1888, (p 175). The original sale price was £12, (approximately £1,520 in 2019). Game Larder’s of this type were usually filled with game after a shooting party and kept close to the house kitchen for ready access to fresh game.

Game shooting became a popular pastime in the 19th Century. The fact that this happened is partly related to technological improvements in shotgun technology and the invention of double barrelled breach loaders which made ‘driven-bird’ shooting popular and in consequence of the increasing numbers of birds that could be shot, made the employment of a Game Keeper essential on larger estates, to, rear birds, control vermin and poaching.

The Game Act of 1831, enabled anyone who wanted to shoot game to do so by acquiring a permit and limited the periods (‘seasons’) within which various types of game could be shot.

Boulton and Paul were established in Cockney Lane (now London Street), Norwich in 1797, as an ironmongery business. The founders were William Moore and William Boulton. By 1868, the company formerly became known as ‘Boulton and Paul’ and moved to a factory site in Rose Lane, Norwich.

MakerBoulton And Paul

Maker RoleManufacturer

Place MadeNorwich Norfolk

Medium and MaterialsSoftwood.
Perforated zinc lining.

Inscription and MarksThe Makers Plate reads: BOULTON & PAUL. United Manufacturers. NORWICH.

MeasurementsMax. Length: 7 feet
Width: 5 1/4 feet
Height: 7 3/4 feet
Door width: 2 feet
Door Height: 6 feet

Object numberSTMEA:82.A.55

Copyright LicenceAttribution - Non-commercial (cc)