jan 1, 1671 - broom

Description:

The common and attractive shrub which provided the twigs used formerly to make a sweeping brush. The meaning is not in question but the following testimony confirms the origin: 1671<i> he saw John Hanson of Lightcliffe in a broome close ... getting beesoms</i> (QS1/11/1). It is a reminder that broom was seen as a valuable plant, used also for fuel: <i>c</i>.1570 <i>kyd thy brome</i>, Woodsome (KayeCP) and in country remedies: <i>c.</i>1580 <i>boyle lant and browme together and washe him sore therewith, </i>Almondbury (NH202-3). Implements linked with ‘managing’ broom are: 1610 <i>one broome sythe</i>, Kirkstall (SpSt); 1665 <i>had slaine a monster with one watch bill or broome hooke</i>, Ecclesfield (SS40/128).

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