These artificial limbs were manufactured at the Great Western Railway’s Swindon Works. The company regularly provided replacement limbs to workers who were injured carrying out their duties.
Employment at Swindon Works involved the construction of locomotives and rolling stock, which was heavy and often dangerous work. Accidents happened and sometimes workers were injured, and in the more serious cases, lost a limb. The GWR made some effort to compensate for such injuries by providing the unfortunate worker with a new wooden limb and, when possible, relocate them to a less physically demanding job. Hands, feet, arms, and legs were crafted at the Carriage Shop at Swindon Works by the same carpenters who spent their days making carriages, station benches, carts, and similar items.
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
The great bustard has a dignified slow walk but tends to run when disturbed, rather than fly.
The hen-bird on display at The Salisbury Museum was one of the last great bustards to be eaten in the town!
