54/389/1-2

These thigh pads were used with a breast plough. Breast ploughs are operated either by pushing forward from the chest, or more often by pushing forward from the thighs of the operator. By pushing from the thighs it is possible to pare away a thinner layer of the top soil. It was a common practice to strap a pair of wooden boards to the thighs of the operator, in order to get a greater force behind it and also to protect the operator. Sometimes these pads were just any rectangular slat of wood, but this pair seems to be especially constructed for the purpose. They are made of elm, a wood that would not split with constant pressure against it.

1 pair of thigh pads: wood (elm); some woodworm damage

Jones, George (Owner)