Stile
No example of this needle case has been found to date and it is unknown whether it was actually produced. If you have this needle
case in your possession or know of someone who has it, please contact us so that photographs of it can be
obtained and added to the this website.
Design Representation
Design Details
Needle Case Type: |
Figural |
Patent/Registered to: |
J. M. Farnol - Birmingham |
Patent/Design Representation #: |
Ornamental Class 1: Metal: #315223 |
Patent/Design Registration Date: |
October 12, 1877 |
Location of Patent/Design Registration: |
The National Archives (TNA) - Kew, UK |
Reference #:
|
TNA Representation - BT 43/42/315223
TNA Register - BT 44/4/315223 |
Dimensions: |
Unknown |
Material: |
Unknown |
Name Variations: |
Unknown |
Other Variations: |
Unknown |
Facts
A stile is a passageway or barrier that allows humans to pass through an area but prevents animals such as sheep and cattle from gaining
access. Stiles are found throughout Great Britain especially in rural areas along footpaths and walking or nature trails. Most
stiles consist of a series of wooden or stone steps arranged in a way that permits people to easily climb over a fence or wall.
Sometimes a small vertical gap in a stone wall along a footpath acts as a “squeeze stile”. These are usually only 25 centimeters wide
(9.8 inches) and have stone pillars on the sides providing support for the walls. The gap must be narrow in order to prevent livestock
on either side of the stile from being able to fit through.
History
The idea of walking through the countryside for pleasure gained popularity in the 18th century due to changes in the way people viewed
landscape and nature. Prior to this hiking was considered a sign of poverty. During the Victorian Era wandering in rural areas
became widespread as the urban middle class wanted to escape the crowded and often unsanitary cities if even for a brief period of time.
Authors such as Robert Louis Stevenson wrote entire books about their hiking adventures including his famous “Walking Tours” essay which was
published in 1876.
Robert Lewis Stevenson
Miscellaneous
Modern stiles are common today like the galvanized metal one seen below. It is composed of a semi-circular enclosure opposite a hinged
gate that swings between two posts. This arrangement allows only one person at a time to pass through and is sometimes called a "kissing
gate".
