Can you help?

We have received this photograph from a former resident who was born in the village, he asks who were the men, what was their trade, why the rolled up trousers and range of hand tools, what is the house in the background? If you can shed any light on this please get in touch

The most likely suggestion so far, is that they arer millers, clearing up floor with the brooms and protecting themselves against rats. Any other ideas?