55/745

Robert Wells (Maker)

Team bells 'rumblers' 'crotal bells', used on a farm in Sussex in order to give audible warning of the approach of the wagon.
This set of team bells, also called 'rumblers' by the donor and elsewhere known as 'crotal bells', were used on a farm in Sussex by a family who originally came from Dorset. There are three bells on this set, which were generally used on heavy horses pulling wagons, in order to give audible warning of the approach of the wagon. These bells were made by Robert Wells of Aldbourne; the initials 'R W' are inscribed on the base of the bells.

team bells: metal; leather

MERL ‘Associated information’ form – 'Owner obtained bells from a Sussex farm tenanted by a Dorset family. // [pencil sketch] // Made by Robert Wells of Aldbourne Wilts // See letter of 25.10.55 regarding owners efforts to renew leather etc.', Letter, R. E. Porter to J. Higgs, 28th September 1955 - 'For a long time I have had in my possession a set of "rumbler" bells which you doubtless know were used on the heavy horses which hauled the wagons in times past. I understand the bells were used to give audible warning of the approach of such wagons. My set came from a farm in Sussex which had been for several generations tenanted by a family which originated in Dorset. I believe such bells were made at two places in that County and I have seen specimens in the museum at Salisbury and also in the one at Devizes. I shall be happy to give you my bells if you feel you would like them and on hearing from you, I can have them packed up and sent to Reading.'

Aldbourne

1755-01-01 - 1825-12-31

Bell, team, Bell, horse

Metal, Leather