Please note that this guide has not been fundamentally changed from the original print version of the Finds Recording Guide (Geake 2001), written when the database contained just 8,800 non-numismatic records. Introduction These sets, comprising a pestle and mortar, are likely to have been used for grinding small quantities of powders for cosmetic or medicinal …more
Category: Use and Function
Crossbow bolts (‘quarrels’)
Introduction Crossbow bolts (sometimes called ‘quarrels’) are a specific form of arrowhead, with a socketed shaft and relatively narrow, piercing blade. They can have a variety of cross-sections, generally square, but also triangular and other shapes. Few examples are recorded by the PAS as they are made of iron; many are known archaeologically from castle …more
Apothecaries’ Weights
Introduction Apothecaries’ weights were used to weigh out ingredients in medicines and potions. The weight-system used was influenced by the Roman system, and the units were called scruples, drachms and ounces. There were three scruples to the drachm, and eight drachms to the ounce. Being generally small square or sub-square weights they can be confused …more
Toggles (2001 guide)
Please note that this guide has not been fundamentally changed from the original print version of the Finds Recording Guide (Geake 2001), written when the database contained just 8,800 non-numismatic records. Introduction Toggles have received very little study (see Jackson 1990; nos 83-87). The ancestral toggle is basically a cylinder with symmetrical mouldings and a …more
Lamp Hangers
Introduction A group of similar copper-alloy holders with a three-branched base are thought to be likely medieval lamp suspenders. The three lower arms are equally spaced and each is perforated at the end to hold a chain (see Egan 2010 (1998), 131; fig. 99). They are attached to a central arm which travels upwards; this …more
Candle holders
Introduction Candle-holders are lighting devices into which candles were fitted. They can be of many shapes, the main division being between the socket type (with a cup into which the candle was inserted) and the pricket type (with a spike onto which the candle was pushed). Sockets were certainly used by the Romans, but are …more
Tweezers (2001 guide)
Please note that this guide has not been fundamentally changed from the original print version of the Finds Recording Guide (Geake 2001), written when the database contained just 8,800 non-numismatic records. Introduction There are essentially three types of tweezers, all easy to recognise but hard to date. First there are those made from sheet, with …more
Forks
Introduction In England, people mostly ate using knives, fingers and spoons prior to the post-medieval period (Leahy and Lewis 2018, 180). Consequently, the PAS has not recorded many table forks; the majority are iron from the 17th century onwards, although a few copper-alloy early-medieval forks have been recorded. Post-medieval table forks had two prongs initially, …more
Page Holders
Introduction A type of medieval tweezers with significantly expanded arm terminals (c. 45-50 mm in length when complete) may have had a particular function: to hold together several leaves of vellum manuscripts. The objects can have slides which presumably locked the grip. Their terminals are generally square, rectangular or trapezoidal, often with punched or engraved …more
Spatulae
Introduction Spatulae are instruments which flare from a handle to a rounded or straightened blade terminal, the latter used for the purposes of spreading. Most spatulae encountered through the PAS are Roman and were used to spread wax onto wooden writing tablets, and also to clear the recess in the tablet prior to reuse (Leahy …more
