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Shires Collection

Shires, majestic and powerful creatures, have played a significant role in British history

Background imageShires Collection: Shire Horse - retired

Shire Horse - retired
SGI-4775A Shire Horse - retired Ardea London Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in anyway

Background imageShires Collection: Shire horse - grazing. Rare Breed Trust Cotswold Farm Park Temple Guiting near Stow on the Wold UK

Shire horse - grazing. Rare Breed Trust Cotswold Farm Park Temple Guiting near Stow on the Wold UK Shire horses were
MAB-777 Shire horse - grazing Rare Breed Trust Cotswold Farm Park Temple Guiting near Stow on the Wold UK Shire horses were the main source of power on Bristish farms until the 1940s when they were

Background imageShires Collection: Map of England and Wales, 1644 (engraving) (b / w photo)

Map of England and Wales, 1644 (engraving) (b / w photo)
XJF273140 Map of England and Wales, 1644 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Hollar, Wenceslaus (1607-77); Private Collection; Czech, out of copyright

Background imageShires Collection: The British Isles in the Ninth and Tenth Centuries (colour litho)

The British Isles in the Ninth and Tenth Centuries (colour litho)
6016334 The British Isles in the Ninth and Tenth Centuries (colour litho) by Shepherd, William R. (1871-1934); Private Collection; (add.info.: The British Isles in the Ninth and Tenth Centuries)

Background imageShires Collection: Advertisement - The Naiad Bathroom

Advertisement - The Naiad Bathroom, made by Shires & Co of Guiseley, Leeds, Yorkshire. 1964

Background imageShires Collection: A Trip to Leicestershire, or the Melton Mowbray Panorama, 1820 (colour litho)

A Trip to Leicestershire, or the Melton Mowbray Panorama, 1820 (colour litho)
1038442 A Trip to Leicestershire, or the Melton Mowbray Panorama, 1820 (colour litho) by Alken, Henry Thomas (1785-1851) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Trip to Leicestershire)

Background imageShires Collection: Cub-Hunting in the Shires (engraving)

Cub-Hunting in the Shires (engraving)
1597953 Cub-Hunting in the Shires (engraving) by Rowlandson, George Derville (1861-1930) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cub-Hunting in the Shires)

Background imageShires Collection: MAP / BRITAIN / WALES 18C

MAP / BRITAIN / WALES 18C
Map of Carmarthen and Glamorgan Shires Date: mid 18th century

Background imageShires Collection: Picture No. 10873894

Picture No. 10873894
Horse - Two Shire Foals 3 months old, standing together at pasture (Equus caballus) Date:

Background imageShires Collection: Picture No. 10873893

Picture No. 10873893
Horse - Three Shire Horse Foals, few months old, together in meadow (Equus caballus) Date:

Background imageShires Collection: Draught / Shire Horse - stallion

Draught / Shire Horse - stallion
JPF-4797 Draught / Shire Horse - stallion Jean Paul Ferrero contact details: prints@ardea.com tel: +44 (0) 20 8318 1401

Background imageShires Collection: Southern United Kingdom

Southern United Kingdom (UK). Satellite image of the southern part of the UK. North is at top. This view is about 560 kilometres across


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Shires, majestic and powerful creatures, have played a significant role in British history. Once the main source of power on farms until the 1940s when tractors took over, these retired Shire horses now find solace in grazing at the Rare Breed Trust Cotswold Farm Park in Temple Guiting near Stow on the Wold, UK. As I gaze upon an old black and white photo of a Shire horse peacefully grazing, memories of their importance flood my mind. These gentle giants were not only essential for agricultural work but also symbolized strength and resilience. Looking at a map from 1644, I am reminded that they can deeply intertwined with England's rich heritage. Their presence was felt throughout the land as they tirelessly plowed fields and transported goods across villages. In another lithograph depicting the British Isles in the Ninth and Tenth Centuries, it becomes evident that even centuries ago, they were integral to daily life. They served as loyal companions to farmers who relied on them for various tasks. Beyond their historical significance lies their enduring charm. An advertisement showcasing "The Naiad Bathroom" captures a different side of these magnificent creatures—a reminder that they possess both grace and strength. Traveling back in time through a colorful lithograph titled "A Trip to Leicestershire or The Melton Mowbray Panorama, " one can almost feel the excitement surrounding these animals during hunts in the shires. The thrill of riding alongside such noble beasts must have been unparalleled. Exploring further into Britain's past with an 18th-century map of Wales reveals how widespread their influence truly was—stretching far beyond just one region or county. From north to south, east to west—their hoofprints left an indelible mark on this beautiful land. Two captivating pictures capture my attention next; Picture No. 10873894 showcases a stallion standing tall with undeniable strength, while Picture No.