Very old traditional design, these Oak Swill Baskets are totally hand-made in Cumbria from locally grown coppiced oak and hazel.

Oak Swill Baskets are traditional to the southern Lake District and they have been made in this area for centuries. Their origins are unclear but it is likely that they evolved as a cottage industry which then expanded post the industrial/ agricultural revolution into a trade in its own right.

Swills were used for coaling steam ships, in mines, mills, ironworks and many other industries. On farms they were used for broadcast sowing, harvesting root crops and for feeding animals. Their domestic uses included , laundry, log, garden and shopping baskets, even cradles.

With a bool (rim) of coppiced hazel, the rest is made from thin laths of coppiced oak.

AVAILABLE IN 4 SIZES: 

•  19"
•  22"
•  24"
•  26"

SELECT FROM THE DROP-DOWN BOX ABOVE

The smallest size is approx. 410mm (16") x 330mm (13") and 180mm (7") deep.

So well crafted and beautiful some people don't put them to practical use, but that's what they are made for.

We use ours to carry logs from the log store to stove-side.

Like most other baskets, these are functional carriers of 'stuff', such as tools, wool, bread etc.

SORRY, WE CAN ONLY SHIP THIS ITEM WITHIN THE UK

If you would like to know more about swill and how they are made watch this YouTube video: