Fireside accessories

Keeping the fire and the coal-fired range was a full time job in the house that depended on both for heating, hot water and cooking.

A variety of fire irons, pokers and tongs would be needed to stoke the fire, whilst coal scuttles and log baskets would keep a plentiful supply of fuel nearby. Most were made from wrought iron or brass, allow copper was a popular Victorian alternative. For the energetic, we also have wood choppers !

Stoneware footwarmers would be filled with boiling water and kept on the hob until needed. Hot water cans in copper or enamel would be filled with hot water to take to other rooms where the temperature could be measured with a Dr Forbes floating thermometer.

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