What is a lambing chair?

A lambing chair is a specialised wooden seat with high wings and solid sides designed to keep the occupant warm by blocking cold draughts near the hearth. These chairs often feature storage compartments beneath the seat and were historically used by shepherds or invalids requiring extra shelter.

How do I spot an old settle?

An older settle shows construction methods like pegged mortise and tenon joints, hand-planed panels, and timber shrinkage that aligns with age. Inspect the base and feet for wear patterns consistent with decades of movement on stone or wooden floors.

Were coal boxes used daily?

Coal boxes and scuttles were utilitarian hearth containers designed to store and transport fuel to the fire. Finer examples in brass, copper, and inlaid rosewood sat in Victorian reception rooms, combining daily utility with decorative display.

What timbers were used most?

Makers utilised native hardwoods like oak, elm, ash, and mahogany, frequently mixing timbers within a single piece of furniture. Elm provided strong, split-resistant seats for Windsor chairs while ash supplied flexible wood for bent spindles.