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SPINDLE WHORL
Unique ID: WMID-B222A7
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete lead or lead alloy bi convex decorated spindle whorl, of probable Medieval dating (AD 1100 to AD 1450).
The spindle whorl is sub circular in shape, and lentoid in section. Both the upper and lower faces may been decorated with the raised decoration. Due to abrasion, the designs are hard to discipher. The central hole is circular in shape and has been cast / set roughly centrally. It has a internal diameter of 7.4 mm.
The whorl measures 25.7 mm in diameter, and 11.6 mm thick. It weighs 34.5 g (1.22 oz).
The whorl is of a light to mid grey colour, with an even surface patina.
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 1450 AD). The weight of the spindle whorl is suggestive of a thick linen or wool fibre 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.
Class: biconvex
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1450
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 11.6 mm
Weight: 34.5 g
Diameter: 25.7 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 28th April 2015 - Tuesday 28th April 2015
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: North West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Cheshire East (Unitary Authority)
District: Cheshire East (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Wirswall (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SJ5344
Four figure Latitude: 52.99125781
Four figure longitude: -2.70163008
1:25K map: SJ5344
1:10K map: SJ54SW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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