52/5

E. Read, W. R. Cor

This set of bells came from Herefordshire, where they were used on horses pulling a charcoal wagon in the mid-nineteenth century. The set consists of six latten bells set in a leather hood. There is a ring attached to the top, presumably for hanging the bells up when not in use. Several of the bells are inscribed with the names of their maker. They are 'E. Read' (three bells) and W. R. Cor' (one bell). The bells make a tuneful chime.

1 set of team bells: leather and metal; good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – // DATE ACQUIRED: January, 1952 // GROUP: Livestock - Horses - Ornament// NEGATIVE: // PERIOD: c. 1850 // PLACE OF ORIGIN: Presented by Mrs. J. A. Thornton of Brant Broughton Priory, Lincoln. // NUMBER: 52/5 // DESCRIPTION: In the second half of the 17th century, two brothers, William and Robert Cor, established a foundry at Aldbourne (Wilts). Their partnership lasted until 1719, and then Robert carried on alone until 1749. Their family was succeeded in 1750 by Edward Read, who was succeeded in 1757 by Robert Wells. Wells made sheep, horse and cattle bells with metal left over from church bells until 1799. 25 years later Thomas Mears, owner of the Whitechapel Foundry, closed down the Aldbourne foundry and transferred the moulds and patterns to London, where he continued to make bells bearing the initials R.W. until the end of the 19th century.', Used as late as the 1850s, though it could be older. It was brought to the museum 'by rail.' [Added by Tim Jerrome for the Barnett project, 2024]

1825-01-01 - 1874-12-31

Mid-nineteenth century

Bell, team, Bell, horse

Metal, Leather

Cor, Edward (Maker)
Read, E (Maker)