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Crook stick used with a billhook or grass hook to draw material towards the user to cutting. From T. Harris, Witheridge Farm, Hailey, Oxon.
This right-angled hook in this crook stick is a result of natural growth. The crook stick would have been used with a billhook or grass hook to draw the material towards the user to facilitate cutting. It belonged to Mr T. Harris of Witheridge Farm in Hailey, Oxfordshire.

1 crook: wood

MERL miscellaneous note, Greta Bertram, 10 January 2013 – Mr T. Harris had a smithy at Witheridge Farm in Hailey, Oxfordshire. Upon his death in February 1960, his daughter, Mrs M. K. Fenn, donated a large number of his tools to the Museum. Mr Harris had previously donated a number of objects to the Museum in 1952 and 1956., MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'Standard museum name: … // Accession number: … // Classification: … // Negative number: … // Acquisition method: … // Acquired from: … // Date: … // Store: … // Condition: … // Recorder: … // Date: … // Description: Wooden stick, rough surface, with a handle approximately 90° to the main length, cut at the knot. Natural growth. // Dimensions: Length 76cm approx. Handle length 17cm approx. // Associated information: From the workshop of Mr. T. Harris, Witheridge Farm, Hailey, Witney. Donate by his daughter, Mrs. Fenn, after his death. // Used with bill hook or grass hook. // References: …'

Fenn, M. K. (Agent)