Agricultural Gallery

Caterpillar track steam engine by R. Hornsby & Sons

The first and original Caterpillar or walking engine made by R. Hornsby & Sons of Grantham. R. Hornsby & Sons grew into a major manufacturer of agricultural machinery, at their Spittle Gate Works. The firm went on to produce steam engines used to drive threshing machines and other equipment such as traction engines; their portable steam engine was one of their most important products and the market leader. Later a chain-track was added to an oil-engined tractor: the caterpillar track; these were developed and patented by Hornsby's chief engineer (and managing director), David Roberts, from July 1904. These were first used on tractors which served with the British Army towing artillery from 1910, but were later fitted to tanks which were used in the First World War from 1916. In 1909, a development model called the Little Caterpillar was demonstrated to the War Office. The army officers present at the demonstration believed it would frighten the horses!

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Champion goat at the Royal Cornwall Show

A championship goat and its keeper at the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Show, which takes place at the beginning of June each year, at Wadebridge in North Cornwall. The show lasts for three days and attracts approximately 120, 000 visitors, making it one of Cornwall's major tourist attractions. Date: 1986

© Mary Evans Picture Library/ANDREW BESLEY

Palestinian Arabic Scribe in London

Palestinian Arabic Scribe at the Palestine in London Exhibition held at the Royal Agricultural Hall (now the Business Design Centre) in Islington, London - June, 1907. A real hand-written example of his writing is on the card, probably handed out or purchased directly at the show. Date: 1907

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

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