Object number
57/139
Description
Eel spears, also known as 'eel prongs' or 'glides', were used for catching eels in shallow, muddy rivers all over England. They had long handles and were thrust into the mud, trapping the eels between the spikes. This eel spear has four prongs. It was used by 'marsh-men' in the Fakenham area of Norfolk who kept waterways tidy, and on marshes where cattle grazed.
Archival history
MERL ‘Associated information’ form – 'Age // Not known, could be 50 or more // Who made it and where? // Not known, probably a village blacksmith // Who used it and where? // Usually marsh-men who keep waterways tidy + efficient, on marshes where cattle etc. graze // How was it used? // The glide is pushed into the mud at bottom of dykes + ponds where eels are known to be. Eels become wedged between blades of glide + are thus brought to the bank (brink) // Any other information // The glide is a cheap + easy method of catching eels very important to poor people who lack meat or fish etc. still occasionally used in parts of Norfolk.'
Object name
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_2256.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_2257.tif - High resolution image
