SPINDLE WHORL

A complete lead or lead alloy flat spindle whorl, of Roman to Post Medieval dating (AD 43 - AD 1650).

The spindle whorl is sub circular in plan, and sub rectangular (flat) in cross section. The central hole is sub circular in shape and has been cast centrally. The internal diameter of the hole measures 9.43 MM wide. No traces of decoration are present on either the upper or lower faces.

The whorl has a diameter of 36.52 MM and is 5.63 MM thick. It weighs 37.7 grams.

The whorl is of a light to mid grey colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

Spindle whorls, as an artefact type, can be hard to date accurately as they remained in use for a long period of time, however lead alloy spindle whorls of this type are normally attributed to the Medieval period (c. AD 1100 to AD 1450). The weight of the spindle whorl is suggestive of a fine silk or linen thread being spun, as there is a direct relationship between the weight of the whorl and the thickness of the resulting thread. Fine threads such as silk require a lighter whorl than those used to spun wool or linen.