Made in Bristol.

I was on farm the other day when I came across a set of Cambridge Rolls parked in the corner of a field.  Nothing new in that except this set caught my eye. 

A Cambridge Roll consists of a series of individual cast iron rings mounted on a central axle or shaft. Each ring typically has a V-shaped or ridged profile, which gives the roller its unique function.

This set was old and consisted of rings that were flat, not ridged.  I have seen such things before but they are certainly not common.

The invention was a significant innovation in farming technology as witnessed by its continued use some 185 years later.

Unlike a flat roller (a solid cylinder) the segmented ring design allows the roller to turn corners without skidding and accumulating heaps of soil, as each ring can rotate at a different speed appropriate to its position on the turn.

Invented by William Cambridge in the 1840s in Market Lavington, England, and later manufactured at his Lavington Iron Works in Bristol. The Bristol location being ideal for International Business dealings.  His machinery being sold in Australia, Europe and the West Indes.

The original roller was marketed as a “Press wheel roller and clod crusher” the term Cambridge roller appeared later.  It could be purchased with ring diameters ranging from 18 - 32 inches and depending on the model purchased had a retail price between £13 and £21.00.