Unknown of Uttoxeter

One of the beauties of a walk whether familiar or new are the unknowns and the unasked question; 'what or who will I see today'?  This was an unfamiliar walk to me but here by a farm gate between stream

and fell, open to all the elements was this remarkably well preserved piece of machinery.

It had us all puzzled but were not unappreciative of its intricate nature and its once moving parts

Happily stamped on the metal it told its own tale "reaping and mowing". No 7:R Bamfords, Uttoxeter, Engineering.

The company Bamfords was formed in 1871 and grew rapidly when in 1882 it came up with the prize winning Royal No 5 horse mowing machine. Its extra high wheels "enabled the horse to trot without injury".

And yes, this has "Royal" on the strut just beyond the gear.  I would guess the number 7 on the plate must refer to the version for they made them in a number of designs, for one or two horses, right or left cut, and exported all over the world.  They ceased trading in 1986, however the Bamford family name lives on as one part of the family founded JC Bamford Excavators in 1945, better known worldwide as JCB.  The headquarters are no longer in Uttoxeter but they have remained in the same county of Staffordshire.  Vintage Bamford machinery and engines are very collectable and I imagine this one could be brought back into working order by enthusiasts like these.

An entry to ABC Wednesday, a journey through the alphabet, this week sojourning at U here