55/338

Lancashire Steam Motor Company (Manufacturer)

A steam-powered lawnmower, fuelled by oil, with a compound engine and a 30-inch cut. It was designed by James Sumner of Leyland Lancashire in 1893, who formed the Lancashire Steam Motor Company which manufactured the lawnmowers. It was used on the estate of the Earl of Harrington at Elvaston Castle in Derbyshire circa 1894–1929.

1 lawnmower: metal; good conditionThis lawnmower represents an improved type whereby the oil was fed by a pump to the burner: originally the oil vessel was fixed to the top of the chimney to provide pressure at the burner

MERL miscellaneous note, Greta Bertram, 28 May 2014 – These machines were first made in the early 1890s by James Sumner of Leyland, Lancashire. James Sumner subsequently formed the Lancashire Steam Motor Company with Henry Spurrier, which went on to become Leyland Motors Limited. In 1955 Leyland Motors Limited borrowed this lawnmower in order to make a replica., MERL Exhibition label – 'Most gardening tools have remained the same in shape and size from early agricultural times, but the lawnmower is a modern invention and has seen many changes before reaching its latest design. Other than the gardens around stately homes, mansions and in public parks, a closely trimmed lawn was a rare sight until the late 1800s. Lawns were usually cut with scythes, by teams of three or four men, a skilful and time consuming task. Although Edwin Budding made the first lawn mower in 1830 it was many years before they became commonplace throughout the land. The steam lawnmower illustrated here was designed and made in 1893 by James Sumner of Leyland, Lancashire who subsequently formed the Lancashire Steam Motor Company with Henry Spurrier. The engine and boiler are fitted on the machine so that the bulk of the weight is on the main roller, and the machine being nearly balanced is easy to turn. This particular lawnmower was used on Lord Harrington's estate, Elvaston Castle, Derby from c.1894-1929.', MERL Miscellaneous note – ‘Extract from // “THE HISTORY OF THE LAWN MOWER” // In 1893, Mr. Sumner patented a steam driven lawn mower, which was made for some years by the Leyland Company. A good number were made and were very successful, one working for many years at Wolverstone Park, near Ipswich. The drawback to this type of mower was the weight (1 ½ tons) and the trouble on inclines and in turning round flower beds; it also required much attention from the operator. In this, the first power driven mower, the operator walked behind it. Messrs. Thomas Green also produced a steam driven machine towards the end of the century.’, MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: Lawnmower // Accession number: 55/338 // … // Recorder: DJE // Date: 17.9.1981 // Description: Steam lawn mower with compound engine. The two cylinders are placed vertically in front of the boiler. A copper cylindrical tank placed horizontally in front of the boiler holds the oil and water. The oil is fed to the boiler by compressed air working at 15–20 lbs. // Dimensions: Ht. 189.0 cms (approx). Length 238.0 cms (approx). Width 121.0 cms (approx) // Associated information: This particular lawn mower was used on Lord Harrington’s estate, Elvaston Castle, Derby from c.1894–1929. These machines were first made in the early 1890s by James Sumner, Leyland, Lancashire who subsequently formed the Lancashire Steam Motor Company with Henry Spurrier. // This lawn mower represents an improved type whereby the oil was fed by a pump to the burner: originally the oil vessel was fixed to the top of the chimney to provide pressure at the burner. // References: IMR June 2 1986, pp.20436–7 // IMR Aug. 1 1897 p.21877’, Object History File - Contains: Extensive correspondence about the gift of the steam lawnmower from the Estate of Lord Harrington. Information about James Sumner of Leyland Motors Ltd., Various advertisements setting out the Advantages and Particulars of the Steam Lawn Mower (including one in Dutch), An 1897 advertisement for the Sumner Patent Portable Engine, Correspondence between The MERL and the Railway Enthusiasts Club about a club visit, Correspondence between the MERL and Leyland Motors Ltd., regarding loaning the lawnmower to LML so they could create a working replica.

Leyland

1893 - 1893

Sumner, James (Designer)
Leyland Motors Limited