Norfolk hoe.

[X111]

Does anyone know what a Norfolk hoe is, please? (Not Hoe, the place in Norfolk). The answer is an instrument with either two prongs, four prongs, one blade, or a blade and four prongs. All help gratefully appreciated.

[mikewith]

This question was asked (and answered) a couple of days ago: http://new.theanswerbank.co.uk/DisplayAnswers.go?q
uestion_id=39034&category_id=18&index=3

[X111]

Many thanks, mikewith, but unfortunately three prongs is not the right answer. The correct answer is one of the four alternatives I have given, but which I do not know. I've Googled and so on, but cannot find a reference of any sort at all to a Norfolk hoe.

[FredPuli]

Now you have got me thinking, Nadia! I have this abiding image of a hoe with swan neck prongs; not a 'swan-neck' hoe, which has a blade only. We had one here; we are on the edge of East Anglia, close to Norfolk. I may have to hunt in the outhouses ! It must have had 4 prongs. What is bugging me is that there was such a tool which had a blade on a swan neck fitting on the other side of the shaft, so it was dual -purpose ( you could cut weed seedlings with that side) but I always assumed it was some 'patent' device ( and fairly modern) and an oddity.; what I remember here just had prongs I think. I may have to report back! The Museum of East Anglian Life at Stowmarket (Suffolk) is your likeliest bet , much of it is devoted to agriculture and horticulture, the Norfolk museums or the Royal Horticultural Society may also help you.

[X111]

Much appreciated, Fred, and I greatly look forward to your "report back" when convenient to you. In the meantime (tomorrow) I will try the museums you mention and will post the outcome. The only thing I've turned up so far is an old drawing of a Norfolk Plough, which had only one ploughshare.

[Cetti]

Hi Nadia, I've tried my 'history of the garden' book which includes archaic tools - nowt! Just had a look at the BBC Gardening Message Board where this question has also been asked and they don't know, sooo let's hope Fred will come back with the answer.

[Keyfee]

This is a quiz question in a newspaper and hats off to the compiler. I have tried book shops,libraries and various search engines without any clues. Anyone able to answer correctly must have local knowledge, HELP!!!

[X111]

Just to express thanks to Cetti and Keyfee before we slip off the page. I have become very informed upon hoes, tillers and tractors, but not a blessed Norfolk Hoe in sight as yet!