Man Trap from a country estate or large garden

Image of a Victorian period man-trap from a large country estate or garden
© Manx National Heritage

About

Can you imagine getting caught in this man trap? Ouch! If you stood on one, the sharp metal teeth would spring up and clamp onto your foot. This could do all sorts of damage from nasty cuts to even bone fractures.

Traps like this were used in orchards and woodlands to deter poachers, it would be hidden in the long grass so a possible trespasser wouldn’t see it. The use of man traps like this one grew in the 19th century as increased poverty led to a growth in poaching from big estates.

The prospect of getting caught in one of these traps was pretty scary and often even a warning sign was enough to deter people.

They were outlawed in England in 1827 but not on the Isle of White until 1872.

Museum's description

This cast iron Man Trap originated on a large estate, where it would possibly have been used in an orchard or woodland to deter poachers. The trap would have been concealed in long grass. The pressure of a foot standing on the plate releases the spring, causing the toothed jaws to close upon the victim’s leg, causing severe injuries.

Teacher notes

This man trap highlights the extent of poverty in rural Britain in the 19th Century, that people would risk getting caught up in one of these traps just to get some meat for food.

Date

late 18th-early 19th century

Artist

Crellin

Size

32 x 58 x 180 cm

More details

Medium: Iron

From

Manx National Heritage