The Whim
by Terri Waters
Title
The Whim
Artist
Terri Waters
Medium
Photograph
Description
The whim house and barn at Restronguet Passage contain some of the most complete C19 animal powered threshing machinery in Cornwall.
The oxen driven whim was built about 1860 to drive the threshing machine adjoining the barn. The straw was used for thatching and the grain went to be milled.
This particular whim has survived as the straw was needed for thatching the local buildings and traction engines damaged the straw.
Historically a whim, also called a whim gin or a horse capstan was also used in Cornwall for mining, hauling materials to the surface. Comprised of a capstan or a wide drum with a vertical axle, a rope is wound around the drum, with both ends traversing several pulleys and hanging down the mine shaft. As the drum is turned around, one end of the rope is lowered, carrying an empty bucket, while the other one is raised, carrying a full load.
Uploaded
February 13th, 2019
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