In pictures: Bygone farming

Luson Farm in Devon has been farmed by the Toms family since the 18th century, although the family has lived in the area since the 1600s.

One of the first Toms at Luson, Philip Moysey Toms, was an estate manager for the Bastards, an ancient family that also has a long history in Britain.

Since the late 1800s the farm has been farmed by a Nicholas John Moysey Toms - the name being passed down to the eldest son with the farm.

Horses were the powerhouses of the farm before tractors, helping plough land, cart equipment and harvest crops.

Machines made the haymaking easier, but the hay ricks still had to be stacked and thatched.

Luson Farm was originally about 420 acres in the 1800s, but is now only 160 acres. The story of the farm is similar to that of many around the country.

The current farmer - seen here as a babe in arms - says he still remembers using horses on the farm despite tractors.

His mother Joan, now 85, says everyone had to muck in to get jobs done - the farmer's wife alongside the men.

The farm was dairy when Nick was a boy, but changing times have meant the farm now raises suckler calves for beef.

Nick's son Nicholas has the same name, but now has his own career and is not following in his father's footsteps - yet.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Next