Stolford Mudhorse
The mudhorse was once widely used by the fishermen working out on the expanse of Bridgwater Bay although, until recently, there was only one person still fishing this way. Adrian Sellick was fishing the way his father and grandfather had, fishing swing and set nets out from Stolford.
To get out across the mudflats, the mudhorse was a hybrid of a sledge and barrow. A wooden structure some six feet long and three feet wide with elm boards curving up at the front to form a wide skid, it was weighted down with a number of large stones to prevent the tide washing it away when not in use. Once removed, Adrian would push it out to his nets, and returning with his catch in baskets carried onboard.
Similar modes of fishing occurred across the water where some fished mudhorses around Cardiff. Indeed, one of Adrian’s great uncles went over, largely because there were too many on the English side. Adrian has recently retired on the death of his father Brendan.
Sources: 7
If you would like to see the Author’s notes and sources, please download the PDF below.
If you would like to return to the list of boats, please click HERE