LANCUM-825814: Late or Post-Medieval lead weight

Rights Holder: Lancashire County Council
CC License:

Image use policy

Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).

WEIGHT

Unique ID: LANCUM-825814

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

One of two cast lead-alloy weights, each found in a different field on opposite sides of a narrow road. Although one is slightly more worn than the other, they both carry the same very distinct and unsual decoration; they were cast using the same mould. The weight is if double-conical shape with a broadened rim and central perforation (ca 8mm in diameter). While one side is decorated with a simple zigzag line, the other displays at least four different symbols: a heart-shaped symbol, a box/parcel-shaped symbol, a (very faint) eye-shaped symbol, a horned symbol and a symbol resembling a seated figure. It is uncertain what the meaning of these symbols is - if, indeed, a certain meaning can be read into them.

These lead weights are a very frequent find in Lancashire, but we are still not certain of their use or exact dating. It has been noted that they have been found in archaeological contexts of the 15th and 16th century and that the most likely use for them was as spindle whorls (Kevin Leahy, pers. comm). However, these weight strongly resemble modern net weight used for river and sea fishing so that this alternative use for them can be envisioned. However, since the double-conical shape seems convenient for more than just one type of use, it might perhaps be suggested here that Medieval and Post-Medieval households kept several of these weights which would be used for different task such as spinning, hunting, fishing or weighing goods.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Post AD 1400
Date to: Ante AD 1600

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 31.1 mm
Width: 31.1 mm
Thickness: 11.63 mm
Weight: 41.04 g
Diameter: 31.1 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 1st May 2007

Personal details

This information is restricted for your access level.

Materials and construction

Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete

Spatial metadata

Region: North West (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Lancashire (County)
District: Wyre (District)
To be known as: Catterall

Spatial coordinates

Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Metal detector
General landuse: Cultivated land
Specific landuse: Character undetermined

References cited

No references cited so far.

Similar objects

Find number: LANCUM-825105
Object type: WEIGHT
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
One of two cast lead-alloy weight, each found in a different field on opposite sides of a narrow road. Although one is slightly more worn than…
Workflow: Awaiting validation

Find number: LANCUM-F5D383
Object type: WEIGHT
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
The weight is of double-conical shape with a rounded outer rim and central perforation (ca 11mm in diameter). Both sides are decorated with do…
Workflow: Awaiting validation

Find number: ESS-397528
Object type: WEIGHT
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
Lead spindle whorl dating to the Medieval period. It is double-conical in shape with a large central hole. It is covered in a white patina bu…
Workflow: Awaiting validation

Timeline of associated dates

Report a mistake

Audit data

Recording Institution: LANCUM
Created: 16 years ago
Updated: 13 years ago

Other formats: this page is available as qrcode json xml geojson pdf rdf representations.