Name/TitleScythe Cradle
About this objectAn ash scythe cradle with iron fittings used by the donor between 1919 and 1932 at Debden Hall, near Bury St. Edmunds. This tool was attached to the scythe in order to straight rows when reaping. The donor, however, preferred to use a scythe bow (cut from a briar in the hedge) rather than a cradle because the bow was lighter. He used both tools for any kind of crop.
This tool was made in 1919 by the local blacksmith, Jimmy Death. The donor started as a plougham when he left school in 1908, aged 14. He was born at Sedge Fen near Lakenheath where his father was managing a farm. He worked alongside his father, who later moved to Debden and rented Debden Hall from Lord Bristol, until he joined the army in 1914. The donor returned to Debden Hall following the war. In 1932 he started his own farm at Nettlestead. In 1938 he took over Grange Farm in Creeting St Mary where he owned five horses (some Suffolks, some Shires) and one tractor. He continued using the horses until his retirement in 1946.
MakerJimmy Death
Maker RoleBlacksmith
Date Made1919
Place MadeBury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Medium and MaterialsAsh with iron fittings
MeasurementsHead: 2 foot 6 1/4 inches
Tines 1 foot (through head) x 3/8 inch x 3/4 inch
Object numberSTMEA:A.7246
Copyright Licence
Attribution - Non-commercial (cc)
