Railway drayman, Arthur Seward and his horse drawn wagon
These workman's boots are hobnailed and heeled for extra protection. They belonged to Arthur Seward born in 1887. He learnt to handle the horse and cart, working as an agricultural labourer around Leighton Bromswold from the age of 12.
Before motorised vehicles became commonplace, they were the essential footwear of the ‘kings of the road’, the draymen working long, hard hours transporting goods by horse drawn wagon for the railway companies.
When the First World War broke out, the boot manufacturing industry in Northamptonshire was ready, producing thousands of pairs of boots for the men enlisted to fight. In 1915, responding to the great demand for draymen, Arthur moved to Kettering to work for the Midland Railway in the goods yard and stables.
Between the wars railway companies amalgamated, and London Midland and Scottish (LMS) became the largest rail operator of horse transport in the country. This ensured that Arthur had steady employment as an LMS drayman. By 1939 road transport was rapidly becoming motorised. Arthur adapted, said farewell to his horses and turned his hand to driving the ‘mechanical horse’or Scammel truck. Arthur died in 1954, finally hanging up his hobnailed boots.
Number 87 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.
2nd Image: Provided by Rushden Historical Transport Society
Kettering
Contributed by Jane Demet, Rushden Transport Museum Volunteer
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© RHTS
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NMAG