Exhibitions - Our Rural Past

INTRODUCTION - Our Rural Past, and Acknowledgements.
Introduction

RURAL INDUSTRIES - Various industries once operated in our rural parishes, many of them to an extent not realized today.
Rural Industries - Part 1
Rural Industries - Part 2

RURAL TRANSPORT - Here are some of the modes of travel and transportation of goods that were used in our area in the first half of the 20th century. It will be seen that the extensive system of estuaries and creeks was used then.
Rural Transport - Part 1
Rural Transport - Part 2

COUNTRY HOUSES - The effect of a country house on rural life varied widely, depending on factors such as the extent of its land or the disposition of its owner. Many workers were employed on the larger estates, but not all owners chose to involve themselves in the affairs of the district. Those that did, whether of ancient lineage or descended from self-made men, formed the 'squirearchy', which influenced the course of local events to a considerable degree.
Country Houses - Part 1
Country Houses - Part 2

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES - In the Victorian period, most of the boisterous celebrations of previous centuries (such as annual fairs, feasts, etc.) were replaced by more decorous events. To a large extent, the influence of the parson and squire was responsible.
Social Activities - Part 1
Social Activities - Part 2

HAYMAKING & CORN HARVESTING - These were major operations each year for the farmer and a large workforce. They have now been transformed by the use of advanced machinery. These photographs show how the tasks were once tackled.
Haymaking & Corn Harvesting - Part 1
Haymaking & Corn Harvesting - Part 2

LIVESTOCK - One of the revolutions in the countryside over the past 50 years has been the swing away from mixed farming to specialization. Here are some reminders of the close relationships that once prevailed between livestock and the farmer (and his family).
Livestock - Part 1
Livestock - Part 2

HAND TOOLS - The amount of manual labour required on farms and in market gardens has declined greatly over the past 75 years. This shows a selection of the many types of hand tool used.
Hand Tools

Saltash Heritage, 17 Lower Fore Street, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6JQ --- Tel: 01752 848466 --- Email: info@saltash-heritage.org.uk --- Registered Charity No. 297525