Rare Late 19Thc Granite Butchers Slaughtering Block C.1890

The rarely found butchers slaughtering or tethering block or boulder, used for slaughtering animals in a butchery, the whole in granite with a blacksmith forged iron tethering ring, the whole surviving from the late nineteenth century and formerly of the Dairyland Museum, Cornwall.

In complete condition, the block is in totally original order. It weighs at least 80-100kgs. The iron has taken on a beautiful patina and the granite is weathered commensurate with age as it was placed outside when it was on display at the museum.

Dairyland operated as an attraction for 49 years having been opened by farmer Rex Davey who thought people would be interested in viewing vintage machinery. One of Cornwall's major tourist attractions it announced its closure in September and gave away its farm animals to new homes after closing its doors in November.

Originally removed from an old butcher’s premises at Fraddon in Cornwall, where it was used when slaughtering pigs and sheep. The animals were tied to the ring in the block by a rope enabling the butcher to easily pierce the animal’s throat and heart causing instant death. Similar granite blocks were also used on weight presses for compressing salted pilchards into barrels.

A very scarce and somewhat macabre museum piece that is part of social history.