The Shoe

This ‘patten’ was found by Mr & Mrs Joyce in the summer of 2021 when gas mains were being replaced on the Little Green

Probably dating from the 18th century, the oval of iron would have been riveted to a piece of wood which, in turn, was strapped to a shoe. The wearer would then have some protection from muddy or frosty ground. At one time their use was banned in Churches because of the noise they made on stone floors.

Shoe irons like this are often found in walls, fireplaces or rafters of old houses as it was believed that personal items built into a house would ward off evil spirits