62/263

A spade iron was fastened to the underside of the boot to protect the footwear during hard digging and to provide a solid surface on which to push. This spade iron belonged to a professional drainer in Staunton, Gloucestershire, and was used prior to 1920.

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'SPADE IRON // Description // Foot Plate // Flat metal plate with side pieces to which leather side straps were rivetted. There is also a narrow strap with a buckle for fixing to the foot. // Dimensions // Length: 22.0cms Width: 9.5cms. // Associated information // This spade iron came from Staunton, Gloucestershire where it was used by a man who was a professional drainer. // Date used: Prior to 1920.', MERL miscellaneous note - '62/262, 3, 4 Drainage foot-plates. // Three different sizes. From Stanton, Gloucestershire. // These were in use before 1920, and were part of the equipment of an old man who was a professional drainer.'

1920