Object of the month – October 2024

This mortise gauge belonged to Henry Howland, builder of Thame. It is a tool used by carpenters and woodworkers to mark wood so as to ensure accurate cutting for a mortise and tenon joint.  This joint is a way of connecting two pieces of wood and has been used for centuries by carpenters around the world, especially to join pieces at right angles.

The gauge is part of a display which can be found in the Museum in the side gallery.


These tools were used at Ryecotewood College Thame

Aerial view of workshops at the College in 1963

Rycotewood College was founded in 1935 on the site of the former Thame Union Workhouse and it went on to provide training in furniture making, metalwork and agricultural engineering. In 2003 the College moved to Banbury to become part of the Oxford and Cherwell College and the site in Thame was converted to residential accommodation.

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