Fen Ice Skates Traditional Fenland England Antique
Fen Ice Skates Traditional Fenland England Antique Fen skating is a traditional form of ice skating in the Fenland of England. The Fens of East Anglia, with their easily flooded meadows, form an ideal skating terrain. Skates were introduced into Britain from the Netherlands or France in the seventeenth century. It is not known when the first skating matches were held, but by the early nineteenth century they had become a feature of cold winters in the Fens. In the Fens skates were called pattens, fen runners, or Whittlesey runners. The footstock was made of beechwood. A screw at the back was screwed into the heel of the boot, and three small spikes at the front kept the skate steady. There were holes in the footstock for leather straps to fasten it to the foot. The metal blades were slightly higher at the back than the front. This pair of Traditional Fenland Skates are in lovely condition and could easily be used again today. Learn more at wikipedia Fen_skating Ad ID: Delivery Service Consumer Credit