Lewis Cross Cutting Machine No. 1757

Like the Budding Patent lawnmowers, two of which survive (No. 1623 and No. 3157), it is often assumed that the number following "Buddings Patent" is the patent number when it is on fact the serial number. The same applies to the cross cutter at Stroud Museum in the Park. The words "Lewis Patent No. 1757" cast on the front also refers to the machine's serial number, as the patent granted to John Lewis in 1815 was number 3945. It is likely that this machine was built by John Ferrabee at The Phoenix Ironworks at Thrupp Mill and constructed around the time Ferrabee was working closely with Edwin Budding on such projects as his Pepperbox Pistol, the drive belt coupling, other textile machinery, and of course the lawn mower.