Record ID: WAW-FE9176
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Warwickshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A sandstone whetstone of uncertain date, possibly Roman. It is sub-rectangular in plan and section. The whetstone has four, possibly five grinding surfaces which are saddle-like; it has sustained plough damage which has given it two uneven sides. It is a light to mid-brown medium to coarse sandstone. It measures 98.32mm in length, 60.82mm wide and weighs 648.9grams.
Created on: Monday 18th September 2017
Last updated: Monday 10th September 2018
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NLM-FEC0CD
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: North East Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Compacted Sandstone water rolled cobble, probable whetstone; a sparkling surface indicates the presence of mica or other abrasive constituents in a sandy matrix, and hence suitability as a sharpening stone. This large sub-triangular flat-sided stone has one large flat surface smoothed and dished by wear. Other surfaces are unmodified, though scratches from plough strike appear on all. The use of improvised hones is characteristic of a long period from later Prehistory to the Viking Age. A rock of this size might be used to sharpen large tools such as a scythe or spade iron. It may hav…
Created on: Wednesday 6th September 2017
Last updated: Monday 30th July 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'East Ravendale', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NLM-804A3E
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: North East Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Grey-green fine grained compact Sandstone, possible whetstone fragment, as kindly suggested by the finder. A small and probably water-rolled pebble of sub-rectangular section, possibly dished by wear on one of its wider flat faces, but with no other trace of utilisation. Rounded, probably naturally, at one end, and broken at the other; subsequently abraded. This may be a small or personal hone improvised from a chance discovery from glacial Drift. The use of varied improvised hones, rubbing stones and smoothers was common from later Prehistory to the Middle Saxon period. Suggested dat…
Created on: Thursday 31st August 2017
Last updated: Thursday 31st August 2017
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Laceby', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NLM-800F98
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: North East Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Fine-grained compact grey possibly Sandstone with occasional sparkling flecks on its sides; whetstone, as kindly identified by the finder. The material has a superficial resemblance to the volcanic Greenstone used to make Neolithic group 6 axes, and specialist examination of the broken surface might determine whether such an axe may have been reworked and reused in this case. At all events, this is now a straight-sided bar-shaped hone of rectangular section, rounded at one end and broken at the other. All flat surfaces are lightly dished by wear towards the centre of the object; a fac…
Created on: Thursday 31st August 2017
Last updated: Thursday 31st August 2017
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Laceby', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DEV-6E49A1
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Devon
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete whetstone of uncertain date and of a fine, greywacke sandstone. Rectangular in plan and sub-rectangualr in profile, the fragment terminates in worn breaks at either end. Due to abrasion to either face of the stone, in profile the whetstone tapers from 19.3mm wide at one end to 13.7mm at the other, with the narrowing being pronouncedly concave at one end and becoming more gradual below. This is more prominent on one face than the other. Dimensions: length 50.5mm; width 21.8mm; thickness 19.3mm; weight 29.03g. Whetstones were in use from the Bronze Age onwards, and w…
Created on: Wednesday 30th August 2017
Last updated: Wednesday 30th August 2017
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: DUR-424732
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: County Durham
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fine-grained, dark grey stone, oval-ended and broken at one end, of uncertain date. It has been used as a whetstone for sharpening blades. The stone is natural, not deliberately shaped, oval in section, thickening and widening to the broken end. The complete end is rounded. The top of the whetstone shows signs of brown 'polish' and has numerous shallow, linear grooves in the surface. The back is concave and rougher; it shows a couple of diagonal grooves but these may be natural wear. Whetstones are known to have been used from the Bronze Age onwards. The improvised use of vari…
Created on: Wednesday 16th August 2017
Last updated: Monday 11th September 2017
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HAMP-35FFA8
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Hampshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete and undatable whetstone, square in cross-section at one end (c.44x45mm with one damaged corner), sloping on one face and narrowing on those to either side to become rectangular in cross-section and extending c.35mm to the break (43x24mm). The fabric is grey in colour and sandy, with numerous micaceous inclusions and orange-brown fissures to the outside surface (probably iron staining). It weighs 272g (to the nearest 2g) and measures 92.7mm in length. Whetstones are known to have been used from the Bronze Age onwards and continued to be used for scythes and other tools…
Created on: Friday 28th April 2017
Last updated: Thursday 4th May 2017
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOM-22CE2A
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
One end of a whetstone made of well cemented and sorted medium grain sandstone. The whetstone is sub-square to D-shaped in section with rounded corners, particularly two adjacent corners, and a bar shape with irregular broken ends. The more rounded corners are probably from use. It is 38.7mm long, and a maximum of 26.7mm by 24.1mm; it weighs 37.0 grams. It is not a local rock but maybe Devonian (D. Parsons pers comm) and traded fairly locally. Whetstones are known to have been used from the Bronze Age onwards and continued to be used for scythes and other tools into the 20t…
Created on: Monday 3rd April 2017
Last updated: Monday 10th April 2017
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Wincanton', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-22AB88
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
One end of a whetstone made of well cemented and sorted fine grain sandstone. The whetstone is sub-square in section with rounded corners and an bar shape with one angled end and irregular broken end. Three sides seem smoother from use. It is 88.4mm long, and a maximum of 30.2mm by 25.5mm; it weighs 121 grams. It is not a local rock but maybe Devonian (D. Parsons pers comm) and traded fairly locally. Whetstones are known to have been used from the Bronze Age onwards and continued to be used for scythes and other tools into the 20th century. A Roman, Medieval or Post Medieva…
Created on: Monday 3rd April 2017
Last updated: Monday 10th April 2017
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Wincanton', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NLM-47ECF6
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Micaceous grey fine-grained Sandstone hone [non-specialist identification by MF]. Rectangular flat-sided stone bar with smoothed zones along its longer edges, and lightly bevelled at one end - the other is broken at an angle. The flat sides bear prominently sparkling mica which does not appear on the edges, though these have received more wear. The stone lacks the green or blueish cast of Norwegian schist, and might be a glacial erratic, perhaps originating in Scotland. The use of collected stones for sharpening and rubbing is a feature of all metal-using periods before the Viking inv…
Created on: Wednesday 15th February 2017
Last updated: Friday 17th February 2017
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Swinhope', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: PUBLIC-86E46B
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fragment of a fine-grained, sandstone whetstone of unknown date. The object is sub-square in section and rectangular in plan, broken across both ends. Dating of whetstones is difficult as they were used from the later Iron Age to modern times. The location and associated finds suggest an early-medieval to medieval date. The object is 56.19mm in length and 28.63mm x 27.97mm in width. It weighs 82.07g.
Created on: Tuesday 1st November 2016
Last updated: Friday 3rd February 2017
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Skidbrooke', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: PUBLIC-5C5559
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete, fine-grained sandstone whetstone of unknown date. The object is oval in section and sub-triangular in plan, tapering to a blunt point at one end. The object has broken across the opposite end and the remainder of the whetstone has been lost. Dating of whetstones is difficult as they were used from the later Iron Age to modern times. The location and associated finds suggest an early-medieval to medieval date. The object is 78.99mm in length and 33.58mm x 24.45mm in width. It weighs 71.28g.
Created on: Sunday 30th October 2016
Last updated: Monday 31st October 2016
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Skidbrooke', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: YORYM-E091A8
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: East Riding of Yorkshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Three fragments of possible whetstones, dating to the period c.AD 43-1700. Fragments 1 and 2 are possibly from the same artefact. It is not possible to suggest a narrower date range, however it should be noted that these fragments are all from a site with known Early Medieval activity. Fragment 1 is broadly trapezoidal in plan with a break along its narrowest and widest sides. This break extends into the body from the narrowest edge and therefore some of the surface is missing. The stone is buff in colour and Stuart Ogilvey (geologist) states that it is a fine grained, siliceous sa…
Created on: Monday 24th October 2016
Last updated: Friday 13th January 2017
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Driffield', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DENO-5A81B3
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Nottinghamshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fragment of a probable pendant whetstone of uncertain date. A fine grained dark stone, roughly rectangular in plan, with a hole for suspension from a cord or thong drilled at one end. The stone was probably considerably longer, it now terminates in a clean break 26 mm along from the suspension hole. One surface is very smooth and has a curve; thinning towards the break. This was probably due to the whetstone being in use for some time and may have contributed to the break. Wear around the hole also suggests prolonged use. The object is 21.5 mm wide, 37 mm long, 8.9 mm thick ta…
Created on: Tuesday 30th August 2016
Last updated: Tuesday 31st January 2017
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NLM-D66B2E
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Fine grained moderately compacted pale sandstone whetstone fragment. A square section fragment from a longer and slightly tapering hone with all four of its flat sides smoothed by wear. Both ends lost. The use of probably local stone for sharpening stones is characteristic of the period between the later Iron Age and the Middle Saxon period. The neat and regular finish would probably make a Roman or later date most likely. Suggested date: Unknown, 43-850. Length: 48.8mm, Width: 27.4mm, Thickness: 26.5mm, Weight: 50.64gms
Created on: Tuesday 31st May 2016
Last updated: Tuesday 31st May 2016
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Binbrook', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SWYOR-9D6101
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Doncaster
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A sub-spherical stone with worn, smooth areas, suggesting use as a whetstone or hone stone of uncertain date. The object is a sub-spherical pebble of arenaceous well-consolidated sandstone with little non-siliceous material (pers.comm. Robert Masheder, West Yorkshire Ecology). Most of the surface is rough and pitted, but one circular area has been worn almost smooth and flattened, and the opposite face has a convex strip of very well-worn, smoothed or polished surface. The stone was probably used as a gridstone, polisher, smoother, hone, or whetstone, but cannot be safely dated withou…
Created on: Monday 16th May 2016
Last updated: Wednesday 25th May 2016
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-634051
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fragment of whetstone of uncertain date. The object is roughly rectangular in shape with breaks at both ends. There are traces of use on one side and one edge, indicated by a series of diagonally scored lines. The object is a mid-dark grey in colour. Although the function of the object is quite clear, due to its incomplete state it is difficult to give it an accurate date, though is likely to be Medieval or later (AD1100-1800). Dimensions: length: 43.29 mm; width: 8.77 mm; thickness: 4.28 mm; weight: 3.47g.
Created on: Tuesday 19th April 2016
Last updated: Monday 25th April 2016
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: YORYM-3825F8
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: North Yorkshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete whetstone or hone of unknown date. The stone is rectangular in plan and cross-section. One end is rounded with a slightly off-centre circular suspension hole 10.14 mm from the edge. The other end is missing, with a rough worn and uneven break. The other surfaces are smooth, although there are some deep cut marks near the break. Whetstones such as this were probably used for re-sharpening blades of knives, scythes, axes and other tools. Whetstones are known from the Roman period onwards, however without decoration or context it is difficult to assign a defined date r…
Created on: Thursday 4th February 2016
Last updated: Thursday 11th February 2016
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-353D68
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Greater London Authority
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A whetstone of uncertain date. The object is rectangular in plan and square in section. There are two grooves running down the centre of two opposing sides. The stone is a mid-light grey and slightly irregularly shaped due to wear. Whetstones are incredibly difficult to date and were used throughout history to sharpen metal tools, coming in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Dimensions: length: 90.62 mm; width: 37.54 mm; weight: 190.66g.
Created on: Thursday 4th February 2016
Last updated: Monday 17th October 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: PUBLIC-62D936
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete stone whetstone of uncertain date. The stone is oval in cross section and rectangular in plan with worn breaks at both terminals. The surface is scarred with small scratches along the length of the whetstone, possibly being evidence of usage. The stone is a mottled grey-brown in colour, with fine micaceous inclusions. The length is 86.11mm, the width is 29.15mm, the height is 14.94mm and it weighs 76.49g.
Created on: Wednesday 13th January 2016
Last updated: Tuesday 26th January 2016
Spatial data recorded.