Description:The image above shows a report made following an inspection of cottages and gardens on the Duke of Sutherland's Shropshire estates in 1848. The inspection was made in order to award prizes to cottagers who had improved their properties and gardens on the Duke's estate. Prizes were awarded in the Ketley, Lilleshall and Sheriffhales districts. The report states that the inspectors had not found 'any improvement made to justify an award' elsewhere on the estate.
The report tells us that the inspectors found 'great improvements' in properties with tenants constructing additional rooms at their own expense. Particular improvements had been made in the mining districts, and the inspectors hoped that rewarding this good work would encourage 'neighbouring cottagers' to do the same.
The inspectors also remarked on the 'neat and clean' state of the gardens, many of which were planted with potatoes.
The prizewinners also appear listed on the document. Andrew Parton, a miner in the Ketley district was awarded the first prize of five pounds for his house, brewhouse and piggery in brick and tile. The inspectors remark on Parton's extraordinary achievement, considering that he had a family of eight children all aged under fourteen.
Click on the image on the left to read more of the Cottage and Garden Inspection Report for 1848.