Thrale's lime sowing machine

I'm currently studying an MA in History, one aspect of which is the Victorian farming industry in Hertfordshire. During my research I came across the following in a 1947 article on Home Counties Farming 1840-1880.

A few Hertfordshire farmers had adopted steam cultivation ... A simple lime-sowing machine had been invented by one Thrale and was made by Davis of Hemel Hempstead. All this shows a progressive spirit.

As the Thrales were prominent farmers in the area, I assume the lime sowing machine was a local invention and wondered whether you had any further information please? It would certainly be an interesting addition to the information I've already collected. Hoping you can shed some light on it.Elaine Saunderswww.completetext.com

David Thrale's picture

Elaine

Thank you very much for getting in touch. This is something that is completely new to me.

Would it be possible for you to share the source of the document in which you found this information (full title of publication, page, and which archive has it) and if you have it, a scan of the document?

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David,

I daren't send you the whole article as it's probably copyrighted somewhere but here's the full reference and you might be able to view it online. Home Counties Farming, 1840-80 Author(s): G. E. Fussell Source: The Economic Journal, Vol. 57, No. 227 (Sep., 1947), pp. 321-345 Published by: Blackwell Publishing for the Royal Economic Society

Here's the paragraph referencing Thrale's machine, the only mention of him or the machine in the whole article.

A few Hertfordshire farmers had adopted steam cultivation and a' large breadth of the harvest was cut by reaping machines. Modern iron ploughs were used on light land, the Rayne plough on heavy. A simple lime-sowing machine had been invented by one Thrale and was made by Davis of Hemel Hempstead. All this shows a progressive spirit.

I recognised the local significance straight away. I didn't enquire any more deeply into the subject except for a quick web search and found this link to the Boxmoor Iron Works.

It seems they hold some papers and they might be able to give you more info.

I researched Herts farming extensively but found no other reference to Thrale's Lime Sowing Machine and Fussell didn't say where his info came from.

There is a British Agricultural History Society. I don't know if anyone there could help.

Sorry I can't help any more but hopefully it's another piece in the Thrale puzzle somewhere. If I find out anything else, I'll be in touch,

Elaine