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Messrs R and W Shield. Spade and Shovel Manufacturers.
Originally established by Thomas Shield in 1830, the works at Long Rigg were owned by Robert and William Shield and continued until the 1920's. At the time it was one of the largest in the district. The works consisted of forge and finishing departments and large consignments of shovels were supplied to collieries in Durham and Northumberland. The firm also had an increasing export trade shipping shovels to Siberia and other foreign destinations.
Trimmers shovels with their traditional triangular shape and sharp edge by which the shovel could be easily slide under the coal in a ship's hold.