On Monday, 19 March 1860, Henry Parsons proudly demonstrated his new Fowler steam plough on his Haselbury farm. His invited audience of country gentlemen was amazed at how easily the plough shares sliced through the heavy clay soil.[1]

The engine stood on the headland, broadside to work, its operator reading dials and shovelling coal to maintain full power. Underneath the engine, three drums coiled and uncoiled a taut steel rope. A ploughman steered the plough, which consisted of a metal frame with four shares at either end. Three or four boys helped move the ancillary equipment as the ploughing advanced across the field.

The twelve-horse power engine consumed ten hundred-weight of coal daily. A boy was constantly on hand to fetch coal and water.

The new technology promised improved results and significant savings. The average work completed was three-quarters of an acre per hour or 7.5 acres per day. Experts estimated that using a steam plough on light soil would save 2s an acre, while the saving on heavy soil would be 3s 4d, a significant cost reduction.

Among the privileged onlookers witnessing the historic event were Rev Charles Smith Coxwell of East Chinnock, George Bullock of East Coker, Thomas Hoskins and Rev Frederick Du Sautoy of Haselbury, and Rev William Vassall of Hardington.

The event sparked a wave of interest among the general public, and over the next two days, over 700 people flocked to Haselbury to see the engineering marvel at work.

References

[1] Sherborne Mercury, 13 March 1860, p. 5; Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette, 27 March 1860, p.1; Sherborne Mercury, 27 March 1860, p. 5; Pulman’s Weekly News and Advertiser, 27 March 1860, p.1.