Historic agricultural machine on display in Bratton

A historic piece of agricultural machinery built at the former Bratton Iron Works will return to the village for a special display next month. 

The Reeves Elevator, a giant agricultural machine manufactured at R. & J. Reeves and Son Ltd iron works, will be exhibited and demonstrated at The Duke Inn car park in Bratton from 10am until 5pm on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September. 

“It is now over half a century since that mournful day when the works whistle sounded at R & J Reeves Iron Foundry for the final time, signalling the closing of a proud chapter in Bratton’s history,” said Bob Pearce from the Bratton History Association. 

“Being located in the centre of the village, making and building award winning agricultural machinery, and also Bratton’s biggest employer, the business had been at the heart of village life for more than a century. 

“They had even been responsible for bringing the mains gas supply and telephone lines into Bratton. 

“The biggest of their many products was the Reeves Elevator, an enormous machine, that could reach up high and tower over its operators below. One surviving Elevator has now been rescued and restored and for two days in September it will be returning home to pay a nostalgic visit to the site where it was first constructed.” 

The machine will be on display and demonstrated before moving to its new home.  

For more information about the iron works, visit https://www.brattonhistory.co.uk/industryandtrade.htm