Household Appliances
Two hundred years ago there were few labour saving devices to be found in the home and the heavy physical drudgery of so much of routine housework was familiar to many domestic servants and housewives.
By the 1870s, the success of the Industrial Revolution and the mass production of goods led to the invention and rapid acceptance of an impressive range of domestic machinery and smaller gadgetry. A sewing machine could equally be found both in the home as in a factory workshop.
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For the householder there was a growing choice of many new and improved domestic machines to assist in ordinary household chores of daily cooking, cleaning and the weekly wash. Future home comfort was later ensured by such general innovations as gas lighting and heating, and a piped supply of clean water. By the mid 20th century, most homes had access to electricity and with it the opportunity to acquire a wide range of domestic appliances and related household goods. Enjoyment of leisure time at home was greatly improved by the introduction of radio and television.
The image opposite is of a cast iron marmalade slicer which is on display in the Old Rectory.
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