_Town Plough_ (Vol. vi., p. 462.; Vol. vii., p. 129.).--In Vol vi., p.
462., GASTRON notices the Town Plough; and it is again noticed by S. S.
S. (Vol. vii., p. 129.) as never having been seen by him mentioned in
ancient churchwardens' accounts.
Not ten years since there was in the belfry of Caston Church,
Northamptonshire, a large clumsy-looking instrument, the use of which
was not apparent at first sight, being a number of rough pieces of
timber, put together as roughly. On nearer inspection, however, it
turned out to be a plough, worm-eaten and decayed, I should think at
least three times as large and heavy as the common ploughs of the time
when I saw the one in question. I have often wondered at the rudeness
and apparent antiquity of that plough, and whether on "Plough Monday" it
had ever made the circuit of the village to assist in levying
contributions.
I have only for a week or two been in the possession of "N. & Q." when
having accidentally, and for the first time, met with the Number for
that week, I could not resist the temptation of becoming the owner of
the complete series. Under these circumstances, you will excuse me if I
am asking a question which may have been answered long since. What is
the origin of Plough Monday? May there not be some connexion with the
Town Plough? and that the custom, which was common when I was a boy, of
going round for contributions on that day, may not have originated in
collecting funds for the keeping in order, and purchasing, if necessary,
the Town Plough?