Object number
85/28
Description
A froe, also known as a fromard, is a tool used like a wedge to split timber lengthways into boards. This is a blacksmith-made fromard with a wedge-shaped blade with a round socket set into a wooden handle. It was used by the donor’s father, Henry John Knight (1909–1963) a hurdle-maker from Silchester Common, Hampshire, for splitting timber lengthwise to make hurdles. The donor’s grandfather, Harry John Knight, was also a hurdle-maker.
Archival history
MERL ‘Handwritten accession form’ (Institute of Agricultural History) – ‘Standard museum name: FROMARD // Accession number: 85/28 // … // Recorder: JMB // Date: 10.5.85 // Description: A wedge shaped blade with a round socket into which is set a rough wooden handle. Blacksmith made. // Dimensions: Length of blade: 16.0 cm // Length of handle: 56.0 cm. // Width of blade: 4.0 cm // Associated information: See 85/25 for details about user. // This tool is used for splitting timber lengthwise for hurdlemaking. // References: MERL Library 5850 // R. A. Salaman, ‘Dictionary of Tools’ PP 198 and 242–4.’
Object name
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_15505.tif - High resolution image
