29th July 2009

Over two days (yesterday and today) part of the large collection of horse drawn vehicles amassed by the late Les Oakes was auctioned by Thimbleby and Shorland. There was a vast variety of items for sale, one or two of which were of interest to us at Beamish.

Below: We have purchased this bread van, which appears to be of Midland Wagon & Carriage construction. It will be refurbished for use at Beamish in the not too distant future.

Below: We also secured these wheels, which will be incorporated into a replica rubbish cart…

Below: This 1890 Merryweather Steam Fire Engine was formerly used at Penrhyn Castle before disappearing. It has reappeared in this auction and was sold for £27,500. It is in superb condition, having been liberally coated with grease in its time in store.

Below: A knackers cart, for removing dead horses from the street. Once a common occurrence and an important business.

Below: An overall view of the sale.

Below: There were even three diesel locomotives included, the example on right being by Brush. There seemed to be a lot of interest in these locomotives, which I think were formerly part of the Shropshire Locomotive Collection.