The Museum of Rural Life (previously known as the Hackett Barn) is part of the Alford Manor House Complex. Situated at the rear of the 17th century thatched Manor, it houses many of the towns historic artefacts.
“Clock in” to the Museum of Rural Life and experience a glimpse of daily domestic life from a bygone era.
Many of Alford area’s former local businesses and trades, including Soulby Sons & Winch brewery, Heeley’s Dispensing chemists, Hildred’s sweet factory, Shaw’s Veterinary Practice, a Shoemaker, a Wheelwright and many more, are very well represented by the fascinating collection of artefacts.
Exhibits include bootmakers shop, with leather patterns, old studded boots, clogs and hobbing iron as well as a very well-equipped Blacksmith’s shop in the former cow shed.
As befits a Market town in the heart of an agricultural community, agriculture is very strongly represented.
Many farming hand tools of great diversity and purpose are on display. A full range of horse-drawn machinery from ploughs to waggons including a very rare “moffrey” cart; a fine Smythe seed drill; a Massey Harris reaper binder dating from about 1900 now restored to full working condition. A rare and impressive Hornsby threshing “drum”, manufactured in 1891 and in excellent condition, occupies a prime position in the Hackett Barn.
All types of cake breaking, chaff cutting and root slicing barn machinery, once used to prepare animal feeds, occupy the cart shed.
In the Coach House Stables you will find items such as tack, harness collars, horse brasses and all things equestrian.
A marquee houses farming machinery including a 1943 Fordson tractor and two Ferguson tractors from the 1950s along with ploughs and associated machinery. You will also find a large collection of fully restored stationary engines made by Lister and Petter and Ruston, dating from the 1930s – 50s. These were once found on virtually every farm, powering machinery, before mains electricity became available.
One of the largest exhibits is a 1957 Massey Harris 780 Special combine, which has been restored by volunteers to full working condition. This local machine is an important and now quite rare survivor, representing many thousands of its type that once worked on farms throughout the country in the 1950s and 60s.
Recent additions to the Museum include a 1950s “Cooks” elevator, a 1920s McCormick powered Reaper Binder and a folding wooden stack elevator manufactured in the 1940s by the Maldon Iron Works. These have all been restored by volunteers.
Two other recent additions, the sail trolley from R Thompson Millwrights of Alford and a very large wooden pattern for casting a mill “wind shaft”, are part of an important collection of patterns documents and workshop tools donated by retiring Millwright Tom Davies. We plan to show more of this collection in the future.
Boot Makers Shop
In 1853 William Butters started work as a Boot and shoemaker in South Ormsby, near Alford. As his trade increased, he was reputed to be making between 200 – 250 pairs of Boots and Shoes each year! In addition, he also did repairs and other leather Items. In 1861 Boots cost 16 Shillings (80p) Slippers 6 Shillings (30p) and Children’s Boots about 10/- (50p) a pair.
William employed his son Jabez as an apprentice, with two journeymen. Jabez succeeded his father, and was in turn followed by his son William (Bill). The family set up their business in a shop, and house, provided by Lady Massingberd of South Ormsby.
Repair and Maintenance Projects
The museum is a hub for all sorts of engineering projects that not only keep traditional farming machinery in good order but help practice and pass on the skills required to do so.
