Northbrook Allotments

The sands have long been seen as a place for market gardening although some might think that the inability of the light soil to hold moisture and nutrients was something of a disadvantage. However, back in Edwardian times an area was set aside for allotments and here we see a family working their patch, probably in the early years of the 20^th century.

Allotments in the Northbrook area - a photo at Market Lavington Museum

The view is clearly from the Northbrook side of the village and there’s no doubt that White Street is  across the valley and making its way up onto Lavington Hill. But we are struggling to identify buildings seen on the right of the picture.

Could that gable end be on The Terrace?

We do not know who the hard working family are either. It’s a remote chance but maybe somebody can help.

Any idea who the people are?

The barrow that is in use is of its age. These days we expect a metal frame and either a metal or a plastic barrow on it with a metal wheel with a good tyre or maybe a large plastic ball for a wheel. One hundred years ago the material of choice for a barrow was wood. The only metal would have been screws or nails and a metal tyre on the wheel.

Tags: allotment, gardening, Market Lavington, Museum