The Truggery

Trug making is a traditional craft which has been established in Sussex for at least 200 years.

The word 'trug' is derived from 'trog', an Anglo Saxon word meaning wooden vessel or boat shaped article. Originally used as measures or scoops for grain or liquid, they have become world renowned for their strength, durability and usefulness.

Our trugs are still handmade in the traditional way. Work begins with the handle and rim of sweet chestnut which is split with a cleaving axe and smoothed with a drawknife, using a wooden 'horse'. After steaming, the chestnut is bent around wooden formers.

The boards of cricket bat willow are sawn to the appropriate width and shaved smooth. Finally they are dipped in water to make them pliable and nailed into the frame.