Craven Curiosities

It was, in fact, a wheel slipper.

Experts from Craven Museum and Gallery tell us: "It is a metal lock that was primarily used on the wheels of waggons during the 19th century.

"The primary reason for wheel slippers was safety and to prevent damage. Slippers were necessary for both railway and road waggons. They helped to control the waggon’s descent down a hill so they did not destroy or damage the road or railway line.

"The slipper was placed under the wheel to help slow the waggon down. On railway waggons the slipper was attached to a chain on the side of the waggon which caused the wheel to slide on the rails allowing for a safe descent. For road waggons it was the law that a slipper had to be on the wheels. Otherwise, there was a penalty of 20 shillings."

Usually items featured in this column can be seen in Craven Museum, but the facility is currently closed. Instead, the current Craven Curiosities can be viewed inside the Tourist Information Centre in Skipton Town Hall.

Meanwhile, we are inviting guesses about this week’s object. Suggestions should be emailed to news@cravenherald.co.uk