Ceremonial spade
C.T. Skelton and Co.
Category
Agricultural and horticultural equipment
Date
1902
Materials
Wood, Steel
Measurements
160 mm (Width); 980 mm (Length)
Place of origin
Sheffield
Collection
Grasmere, Cumbria
NT 419432
Summary
Ceremonial spade with two plaques used by HRH Princess Louise, Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon H.D Rawnsley to plant the first oak trees at Brandelhow in 1902. Also used in 2002 by Rosalind Rawnsley, great granddaughter of Canon Rawnsley to plant an oak tree at Brandelhow.
Marks and inscriptions
Plaque on shaft : Plaque states: 'H.R.H Princess Louise, Miss Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon H.D Rawnsley planted four oak trees at Brandelhow. The first Lake District property of the National Trust, opened 16th October 1902' Plaque on shaft: Plaque states: 'Rosalind Rawnsley, great granddaughter of Canon H.D Rawnsley, planted an oak tree at Brandelhow on 16th October, 2002' On blade, upper left shoulder: Trademark stamped into metal blade: C.T Skelton & Co, Sheffield On blade, upper right shoulder: [So]lid cast steel, 3 Top of socket: Stamped S Reverse of socket: Solid cast steel
Makers and roles
C.T. Skelton and Co., manufacturer