Pratt, James

Bubwith, near Howden, Yorkshire; joiner (fl.1823-44)

He left an account book [Borthwick Institute , York] which records that he made cartwheels, axles, nameboards for wagons, shafted axes, forks and hay knives for his neighbours; produced drag harrows, plows, sheep and swine troughs, churn dashes and winnowing machines for local farmers; repaired village pumps, beehives and mills; provided shoe makers seats and shop counters, worked in the fields at fencing, making and hanging new gates or building stiles and often joined reapers at harvest time. He accepted orders for privy seats, ladders, fishing rods and coffins. He employed four or five men. Once a year he supplied ‘1/2 Dozen Chares’ which cost in the region of two pounds and, from time to time, made bedsteads, cupboards, tables, chests of drawers and cradles. It is unlikely that that any of this extensive production for his local community will ever be identified.

Source: Gilbert, English Vernacular Furniture 1750-1900 (1991).