Agricultural History Gallery

Farrier, Woodbastwick, Norfolk AA98_13563

Woodbastwick, Norfolk. Interior of blacksmiths shop. A farrier shoeing a horse. A working horse would need re-shoeing about every five weeks. Here a hot shoe is measured against the horse's hoof, and the farrier can tell by the mark left how much to alter the shoe. However, the post-war campaign to mechanise agriculture meant that within a decade of this picture being taken there were few working farriers left. Photographed by Hallam Ashley, February 1949

© Historic England

Harvesting at Trenance BB98_06122

Mr Richard Harvey and workers harvesting at Trenance, Mullion, Cornwall, 1900-??1. Alfred Newton & Son. Silver gelatin glass plate negative. This image has captured distinct and somewhat incongruous elements. Traditional intergenerational farming forms the main subject, but the distant Marconi Signal Station is a symbol of modernity. The Poldhu Hotel, built to house Marconi workers, can be seen behind the signal station

© Historic England

Harvesting flax, Norfolk AA98_09093

Fields near Paston, Norfolk. Harvesting flax in July 1946. The strong fibre within the stalk of the flax plant is used to make linen thread and yarn, while the seed can be used for linseed oil and animal feed. Here harvesting is taking place on the flat Norfolk countryside as the country crept back to normality after World War II. Photographed by Hallam Ashley

© Historic England