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Mr F. Chandler (Maker)

This fish spear was used by the Haines family in Burnham Overy, who owned boats for hire. It was used to catch fish by plunging it into the sand, either in water too deep for wading or for use along the water's edge. The barbs on the fork retain the fish whilst the spear is lifted from the water. It was made by the blacksmith Mr F. Chandler of Longlands, Holkham, Norfolk, in 1957.

MERL ‘Associated information’ form – 'See accompanying enquiry form. // Made in 1957 on traditional lines by blacksmith at Longlands, Holkham, Norfolk. // [pencil sketch] // Age // New part made July 1957 Old part not known, but probably 10-12 years. // Who made it and where? // New fork made by blacksmith Mr F CHANDLER at LONGLANDS HOLKHAM NORFOLK. // Who used it and where? // Old fork used in creeks at Burnham Overy [?] Norfolk mainly by the HAINES family who own boats for hire. // How was it used (if not obvious) // Used by plunging into sand under water too deep for wading or for use along waters edge by people not wishing to enter the water. // Any other information // The barbs on fork retain the fish while lifting it from water. Fish removed by turning to position it [?]', Object history research, December 2022 -'How can this object be described? This is a metal fork with four prongs. The prongs have pointed tips and barbed ends. The fork has a pointed end for a handle. // What was this object used for? It was used to catch fish by plunging it into the sand, either in water too deep for wading or for use along the water's edge. The barbs on the fork retain the fish whilst the spear is lifted from the water. // How old is it? It was made in 1957 by blacksmith Mr F. Chandler of Longlands, Holkham, Norfolk. // Which other objects in the collection relate to the fishing spear? Fishing is now usually done with fishing rods. This is a coarse fishing rod, measuring 24 feet in length [MERL 55/451]. It is marked 'Ustonson, Maker to the Queen, Temple Bar, London'. The rod comes with a canvas case, which has five divisions.'

Longlands [Holkham]

1957 - 1957