Record ID: HESH-88C729
Object type: ARROWHEAD
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Hertfordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A probable complete forged iron arrowhead of post conquest medieval date (1100 - 1350). The arrowhead is broadly sub-triangular in plan with a central spine which extends from the tip to a hollow (?) socket. Two sub-triangular blades expand from either side of the spine; these are relatively short and stubby. One blade is better preserved than the other. In cross section the arrowhead is broadly diamond shape with a prominent spine / mid-rib. The arrowhead (without the socket) measures 37.9mm length, 26.0mm width. The socket is incomplete / broken (length: 43.5mm) and only one face su…
Created on: Wednesday 23rd January 2019
Last updated: Friday 8th March 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Barkway', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: HESH-5D5059
Object type: ARROWHEAD
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: County of Herefordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A probable complete handmade iron arrowhead of post conquest medieval date (1200 - 1300). The arrowhead is broadly sub-triangular in plan with a central spine which extends from the broken tip to a base of the socket. Two sub-triangular blades expand from either side of the spine; the base of these extend to form small triangular barbs. One blade is better preserved than the other. In cross section the arrowhead is broadly diamond (lozenge) shape with a prominent mid-rib. The arrowhead (without the socket) measures 48.9mm length, 15.9mm maximum width, and is 4.5mm thick. The socket is…
Created on: Friday 10th November 2017
Last updated: Friday 7th February 2020
Spatial data recorded.

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Record ID: HESH-25BE08
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Telford and Wrekin
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An iron key of probable later medieval date (1350 - 1500). The key is complete and broadly sub rectangular in plan. It consists of an irregular oval (pointed / angular D) shaped loop which extends into a regular broadly square sectioned bar (shank). From the lower edge of the shank a sub-rectangular bit projects. The bit is broadly rectangular with a single vertical cleft (rectangular shaped cut) dividing the bit into two parts. This cleft has a single horizontal incision extending from its upper edge creating an inverted L shape. The front edge of the bit has another U shaped cleft c…
Created on: Thursday 1st May 2014
Last updated: Monday 2nd March 2020
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Lilleshall', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: HESH-C26546
Object type: BLOOM
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Shropshire
Workflow stage: Published
An iron ingot or billet formed from a hammer shaped bloom of probable Early Medieval - early Post Medieval date (AD 550-1550). The ingot is broadly rectangular in plan and triangular in cross section. It has an uneven surface patina and the surviving surface has a series of oval scars, most likely from the spalling of surface corrosion. One end has a flattened and polished removal where the surface had been tested by the finder with an angle grinder. This test suggested that it was formed from wrought iron. Where this test has been undertaken a series of shallow cracks extend in the s…
Created on: Wednesday 2nd April 2014
Last updated: Thursday 3rd January 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HESH-57EED1
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Shropshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An iron key of probable later medieval date (1350 - 1500). When found (c. 1970's) the key was heavily corroded and has since been cleaned and all corrosion products removed. The key is complete and broadly sub rectangular in plan. It consists of an irregular oval (kidney) shaped loop which extends into a irregular broadly square sectioned bar (shank). The edges of this section are faceted / chamfered (although it is difficult to be sure due to it being cleaned) and the section tapers along its length. From the lower edge of the shank a sub-rectangular bit projects. The bit is broadly …
Created on: Wednesday 10th October 2012
Last updated: Monday 11th March 2013
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HESH-A0BF71
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: County of Herefordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete hand made iron rotary key of probable medieval date (1150 - 1400 AD). The key is irregular in plan and cross section. Being made out of iron, it was probably forged. The key can be described in several sections: The bow or handle, shank and bit. The bow consists of a vertical oval, with a circular cross section. It is 46.6mm tall and 29.3mm wide. The shank is attached to the bow at the mid point of the right hand side. Opposite that on the left hand side, there is a slight swelling on the inside surface. The shank consists of an rod, rectangular in plan and circular i…
Created on: Thursday 15th December 2011
Last updated: Tuesday 3rd July 2018
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HESH-795491
Object type: UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Shropshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A hand wrought iron artefact of probably later medieval or post medieval date (1400-1800 AD). The exact nature and function of this artefact is unknown, some suggestions are made below, however the two most convincing suggestions are that it is a crude pole weapon, or that it is a functional handmade tool for agricultural or industrial working. The artefact is made from two pieces of forged iron which have been hammer-welded together. The blade is irregular in shape; it is possible that the metal was shaped to form two cutting edges. The blade is slotted into a V shaped wedge and weld…
Created on: Wednesday 9th March 2011
Last updated: Tuesday 15th March 2011
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HESH-66CF45
Object type: AXEHEAD
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Shropshire
Workflow stage: Published
An iron 'bearded' axe or axehead of probable Medieval date (1000 - 1500 AD). The axe is broadly sub-rectangular in plan with an irregular shaped expanded blade that has a pronounced downward projection. The socket of the axe is formed by the tail of the axe being folded and welded; the socket is sub-triangular in shape measuring 29.7mm length x 18.9mm width. The butt of the axe is rectangular. Two sub-triangular projections near the socket are present, although only one is extant, these would have stabilised the axe on the wooden shaft. As the blade expands in width it tapers in secti…
Created on: Wednesday 1st December 2010
Last updated: Wednesday 4th July 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Bitterley', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: HESH-650301
Object type: AXEHEAD
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: County of Herefordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An iron axehead of probable Medieval date (1000 - 1500 AD). The axe is broadly sub-rectangular in plan with a relatively regular expanded blade. The socket of the axe is formed by the tail of the axe being folded and welded; the socket is sub-rectangular in shape measuring 41.9mm length x 26.7mm width. The butt of the axe is rectangular. As the blade expands in width it tapers in section; forming a wide even cutting edge. A bevelled blade facet can be seen on the edge of the blade, but much of the cutting edge is lost. The axehead is a mid blackish brown colour and has not been treated…
Created on: Tuesday 9th March 2010
Last updated: Monday 27th March 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HESH-27F9B2
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: County of Herefordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Fragment an iron key of probable medieval or post medieval date (1300-1700). The fragment consists of the lower shank and bit and is much corroded. It is broadly sub-rectangular in both plan and cross section and has been much abraded in the ploughsoil. The shank of the key is sub-rectangular and solid being square in cross section. From the lower edge of the shank a sub-rectangular bit projects. The bit is irregular with a number (probably three clefts on each edge. The corrosion is encrusted in places and prevents further detailed description. The fragment measures 28mm length, 2…
Created on: Friday 12th December 2008
Last updated: Thursday 24th February 2011
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Credenhill', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: HESH-ECC0B3
Object type: DAGGER
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Shropshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete single edged bladed iron weapon, probably a dagger (either of the Kidney-dagger type or possibly the Basleard), of probable later medieval, post-medieval or early modern date (1350-1800). The weapon is incomplete and only the tang, quillon plate and upper part of the blade survive. The blade is relatively narrow and has suffered from laminating corrosion in the burial environment along with abrasion which has reduced the width further. From what survives of the blade it seems that the cutting edge is limited to the lower side, however it is possible that there may have …
Created on: Thursday 29th May 2008
Last updated: Monday 23rd September 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HESH-EB77C6
Object type: ARROWHEAD
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Shropshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A probable complete forged iron arrowhead of post conquest medieval date (1100 – 1350). The arrowhead is broadly sub-triangular in plan with a central spine which extends from the tip to a hollow (?) socket. Two sub-triangular blades expand from either side of the spine; these are relatively short and stubby. One blade is better preserved than the other. This shows that the outer edges were slightly barbed. In cross section the arrowhead is broadly diamond shape with a prominent spine / mid-rib. The arrowhead (without the socket) measures 23.6mm length, 12.2mm width. The socket is co…
Created on: Wednesday 5th March 2008
Last updated: Friday 6th September 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Chirbury', grid reference and parish protected.

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Record ID: HESH-41B031
Object type: NEEDLE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Shropshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Wrought copper alloy needle of probable later medieval or early post-medieval date (1400-1600). The needle is very badly corroded and is broadly rectangular in plan with a square cross-section. It measures 89.2mm in length, 2.1mm width, is 2.2mm thick and weighs 1.57 grams. The head of the needle is broken but seems to thicken and the upper broken edge is bent back upon itself to form (a now incomplete) loop. The flaring has been produced by the end being hammered to form a wider flattened surface. The opposite tip or point of the needle has been formed by cutting the shaft at a 45 deg…
Created on: Monday 4th June 2007
Last updated: Wednesday 5th June 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HESH-9204C4
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: County of Herefordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Wrought iron key of probable later medieval – early modern date (1400 - 1800). The key is incomplete and broadly sub rectangular in plan. It consists of an iron oval shaped incomplete loop, which has broken as a result of corrosion. This loop extends into an oval section iron bar (shank) which tapers slightly along its length. From the lower edge of the shank a sub-rectangular bit projects. The bit of the key is corroded and is broadly rectangular with a single cleft (rectangular shaped cut) dividing the bit into two parts. This cleft has a single horizontal incision through it formi…
Created on: Thursday 14th September 2006
Last updated: Thursday 24th February 2011
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HESH-4714F5
Object type: KNIFE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: County of Herefordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Corroded iron knife blade with bone (?) handle of late medieval or early post medieval date (1450-1600). The knife blade has corroded and been broken; the extent of the original blade cannot be assessed. The handle is set onto the knife by a tapering small sectioned tang. The end of the tang protrudes from the top edge of the handle and is covered by a decorative cap. Due to the nature of the artefact and the expense of x-rays the extent and nature of the tang cannot be investigated. It seems that the only method of attaching the blade to the handle is the tang. The handle is formed fr…
Created on: Wednesday 24th May 2006
Last updated: Thursday 24th February 2011
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HESH-E7D821
Object type: KNIFE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Shropshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Forged iron whittle tanged knife blade of probable 14th century date. The Knife blade is sub-triangular in plan with a straight back and sloped shoulder. The cutting edge tapers to a point. The blade is triangular in cross section and is 140mm long, 23.5mm wide (at the base of the blade nearest the tang), and 9mm thick. The whittle tang of the knife is broken and is therefore only 23mm long and 11.2mm wide. The whole knife is encased in a mid-orange / brown encrusted corrosion layer. The cutting edge of the blade has been chipped in several places and the black ir…
Created on: Tuesday 27th April 2004
Last updated: Thursday 24th February 2011
Spatial data recorded.