On This Day in Wembury
4 October 1864 — Auction at Langdon House Farm
On this day an auction was held at Langdon House Farm, Wembury, conducted by Mr. John Adams. The sale comprised 98 sheep, 12 bullocks, a pure shorthorn bull, 4 farm horses, pigs, poultry, and a variety of farm implements. Advertised in the Western Daily Mercury the previous week, the event drew attention to the quality of the livestock, with many of the bullocks described as well-bred short-horns. The sale commenced at three o’clock in the afternoon on the farm premises.
Reflection: Such auctions were milestones in the farming calendar, drawing farmers, dealers, and neighbours together. They give us a glimpse of the scale and ambition of Victorian agriculture in Wembury, where improving bloodlines and quality stock were a source of local pride.
Source: Western Daily Mercury, 28 September 1864 (advertisement for auction on 4 October 1864)