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This is a milk cooler, also known as a 'milk lead', on a stand. It was used at Lords Leaze Farm, Chard, Somerset, probably for cooling and setting milk prior to the production of butter or cream.

MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – 'MILK LEAD // Processing, Milk // Milk Lead or Cooler on a stand from Lords Leaze Farm, Chard, Somerset.', MERL ‘History Artefacts’ card – 'Notes // Description: A solidly built wooden stand with four strong tie bars and wooden cross pieces which support the heavy lead try. The tray has a bung hole in the centre for draining out the milk. // Use: Probably for cooling and setting the milk prior to the manufacture of butter or scalded cream.'