81/148/1-2

Two firedogs used for supporting logs on the fire to stop them rolling outwards. From Gordon Cottage, Coworth Road, Sunningdale, near Windsor.
These are two wrought iron firedogs. Firedogs were used for supporting large logs on the fire to stop them rolling outwards, and smaller ones were used to support the burning embers and to provide ventilation. Other names for firedogs include 'brand dogs', 'dog irons', 'chenets' and 'creepers'. These firedogs, together with a number of other items, were recovered from a garden shed at Gordon Cottage, Coworth Road, Sunningdale, near Windsor. The items belonged to the Kettle family. Charles Kettle, who died in the 1930s, was the donor's grandfather. The Kettle family lived on the Earl of Derby's estate at Coworth Park, Sunningdale, in a cottage on what was known as Granny Kettle's Lane, which is now a public footpath. Charles Kettle moved to Church Lodge, Whitmore Lane and set up as an odd job builder. He built stables which he let to the local dairy.

2 firedogs: iron; fair condition; rusty.

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: Firedogs // Accession number: 81/148/1-2 // Classification: Domestic: Furnishing, furniture hearth // Negative number: // Acquisition method: Gift // Acquired from, date: Mrs Godden [...], 21.9.1981 // Store: Camp // Condition: Fair - rusty // Recorder, date: DJE, 28.9.1981 // Description: Wrought iron firedogs. // Dimensions: Length 34cms, height 30cms, width 21.5cms. // Associated information: These firedogs and other items (viz. girdle plate, rake etc) were recovered from a garden shed at Gordon cottage, Coworth Rd. Sunningdale. // The items belonged to the Kettle family; Charles Kettle (d. 1930s) was donor's grandfather. The Kettle family lived on the Earl of Derby's estate at Coworth Park, Sunningdale, in a cottage on what was known (and still is) as Granny Kettle's Lane (now a public footpath). Chas Kettle moved to Church Lodge, Whitmore Lane and set up as an odd job builder, he built stables, and let them to the local dairy. // References:', Letter, MERL to Mrs Godden, 29 September 1981 – 'Dear Mrs. Godden, // This is just to thank you for the gift of the objects from your garden shed and for being so kind as to supply us with the additional information about the Kettle family; this greatly adds to the value of our records for these objects. // It was certainly worth us making the visit. The firedogs and wooden rake especially, are fine and rare examples and found less frequently these days. // Yours sincerely, // David J. Eveleigh // Assistant Keeper'