ESS-1BBEBC: SPINDLE WHORL
An incomplete stone spindle whorl of unknown date. Description: The object remains as just under half of the original object which would have been circular in plan and D-shaped in cross-section with an internal circular apparture measuring 16mm in diameter. The outside edge has an incised circumferential ring. The stone is pale grey. Measurements: length: 68.5mm; width: 45.5mm; thickness: 13.3mm; weight: 31.96g
Stable URI: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1142941

GLO-A398F5: SPINDLE WHORL
Lead spindle whorl made from a thick flat disc that is decorated with recessed radiating lines on one side. In the centre is a hole that is 9mm in diameter. Plain spindle whorls and weights were cast locally in lead from the Roman period onwards and are hard to date precisely.
Stable URI: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1029097

NMGW-47A1F1: SPINDLE WHORL
A small cast lead weight or possibly spindle whorl of unknown date. The object is circular in plan with uneven thickness across the surface and a central but slightly off-centre circular perforation.
Stable URI: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1012146

NMGW-471F48: SPINDLE WHORL
A small cast lead weight or possibly spindle whorl of unknown date. The object is circular in plan with uneven thickness across the surface and a central but slightly off-centre circular perforation.

BH-170697: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead object, possibly a spindle whorl or weight of uncertain date. The object is circular in plan and domed in section, with a central circular perforation. The base is flat and has a circumferential groove. The object has a diameter of 30.8mm and a height of 21.3mm. The perforation is 9.2mm maximum diameter. The entire object weighs 74.95 grams.

BH-F46EE4: SPINDLE WHORL
A complete undecorated lead conical spindle whorl with an off-centre circular hole. The underside is flat. Plain lead spindle whorls and weights were cast locally from the Roman period to the Post Medieval Period, therefore making them hard to date precisely. It is 10mm high and 30mm in diameter. The circular perforation is 8mm in diameter. The spindle whorl weighs 35.60 grams.

LANCUM-41F05E: SPINDLE WHORL
Incomplete lead spindle whorl of uncertain date, possibly Roman or early medieval (c. 43 - 1000 AD). The object is broadly oval in plan, with a slightly convex upper face, although the edges of the object are badly chipped and damaged. The broken edges are abraded, suggesting that they occurred in antiquity and this may have been the objects original form. There is a small circular perforation, positioned centrally. The object has a light-brown patina. It is 16.37mm in diameter and 4.73mm in thickness. It weighs 4.65g. The central perforation has a diameter of 2.83mm. Lead spindle whorls are difficult to date without archaeological context as a similar form was used from the Roman period to the modern day. While it is not possible to assign a precise date range to this example, the small diameter of the perforation may suggest a date within the Roman or early-medieval period.

LANCUM-41CCBE: SPINDLE WHORL
Lead conical spindle whorl of uncertain date (c. 43 - 1700 AD). The object is broadly oval in plan, with a flat bottom face and curved upper face, resulting in a triangular section. There is a circular aperture positioned centrally. The object has a light-brown patina. It is 20.80mm in diameter and 10.51mm in thickness. It weighs 17.73g. The central aperture has a diameter of 6.39mm. Lead spindle whorls are difficult to date without archaeological context as a similar form was used from the Roman period to the modern day. It is not possible, therefore, to assign a more precise date range to this example. A number of similar examples are recorded on the database, including: GLO-238B69, WMID-3262CC and LANCUM-80986E.

LANCUM-4195AA: SPINDLE WHORL
Small lead discoid spindle whorl of uncertain date, possibly Roman or early-medieval (c. AD 43 - 1000). The spindle whorl is circular in plan and rectangular in section, with a small central, circular perforation. The object has a light-brown patina. It is 16.86mm in diameter and 8.01mm in thickness. The diameter of the perforation is 4.65mm. It weighs 13.38g. Lead spindle whorls are difficult to date without archaeological context as a similar form was used from the Roman period into the modern day. Discoid spindle whorls are associated with Roman contexts and the small diameter of the central perforation of this example may suggest a Roman or early medieval date; however, similar examples are also known from later periods so the date range must remain broad.

LANCUM-414BF7: SPINDLE WHORL
Lead discoid spindle whorl of uncertain date, possibly Roman or post-medieval (c. 43 - 1700 AD). The spindle whorl is circular in plan and rectangular in section, with a central, circular perforation. The surface is worn and cracked. The object has a light-brown patina. It is 31.57mm in diameter and 9.45mm in thickness. The diameter of the perforation is 10.58mm. It weighs 30.50g. Lead spindle whorls are difficult to date without archaeological context as a similar form was used from the Roman period into the modern day. Discoid spindle whorls are particularly associated with Roman and post-medieval dates, with the relatively large central diameter of this example perhaps pointing to a later date.

KENT-6F566F: SPINDLE WHORL
A complete, age uncertain, crudely cast, lead alloy, medium size, plain, spindle whorl. Circular base, flat with a radial recess and slightly raised outer edge. Domed upper surface with central hole that once held a wooden shaft for hand spinning material such as wool from the fleece into yarn. Pale grey, slightly irregular, matt surface with a number of fine scratches and a dent on the base probably damage caused by agricultural machinery. The date is unknown but more likely to be Post Medieval. Ref. Detector Finds, Gordon Bailey, Greenlight Publishing 1992, page 52-57 No. 24 and Detector Finds 6, Gordon Bailey, Greenlight Publishing 2008, page 71-88 Fig. C15.45a & b and Fig C15.56a & b. The object is 31.35mm long, 30.36mm wide, 17.12mm thick, diameter 31.35mm and weighs 89.8g.

KENT-C9110A: SPINDLE WHORL
A complete, age uncertain, crudely cast, lead alloy, medium size, plain spindle whorl. Once circular but now distorted by agriculatural machinery, oval shape with a flat base, slightly convex or domed upper surface with a central hole that once held a wooden shaft for hand spinning the wool from the fleece into yarn. Pale grey slightly irregular surface patina. This whorl is of uncertain date Roman 43AD - Georgian 1799AD. Ref. Detector Finds, Gordon Bailey, Greenlight Publishing 1992, page 52-56 No. 24 and Detector Finds 6, Gordon Bailey, Greenliught Publishing 2008, page 71-88 Fig. C15.46a and b or Fig. C15.109. The whorl is 27.93mm long, 23.79mm wide, 6.69mm thick, diameter 27.93mm and weighs 18.4g.

LEIC-11A601: SPINDLE WHORL
An complete lead weight or spindle whorl of uncertain date. It is hemispherical in form with a hole through the centre. It is undecorated. As there are so few diagnostic details this could either be a weight or spindle whorl and as such cannot be precisely dated. Diameter: 32.0mm, thickness: 12.7mm, weight: 75.35g

GLO-3F87C4: SPINDLE WHORL
Lead flat spindle whorl, this has a voided cross on one side with a large hole in the centre (20mm diameter, height 5mm, weight 11.7g). Plain spindle whorls and weights were cast locally in lead from the Roman period to the Post Medieval Period and are hard to date precisely.

GLO-3F8025: SPINDLE WHORL
Lead conical spindle whorl, this is plain with a large hole in the centre (20mm diameter, height 12.5mm, weight 21.7g). Plain spindle whorls and weights were cast locally in lead from the Roman period to the Post Medieval Period and are hard to date precisely.

GLO-9D6C00: SPINDLE WHORL
Lead cylindrical spindle whorl, this is plain with a large hole in the centre (31mm diameter, thickness 13mm, weight 43.78g) Plain spindle whorls and weights were cast locally in lead from the Roman period to the Post Medieval Period and are hard to date precisely.

WMID-3F9755: SPINDLE WHORL
A circular lead weight, probably a plain spindle whorl of uncertain date. It measures 24.54 mm in diameter. The weight is flat on the top and bottom and has a circular hole in the centre, measuring approximately 10.2 mm in diameter. It measures 12.06 mm thick. It weighs 43.1 grams. It has a pale cream coloured patina. Find was not photographed.

SWYOR-646921: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl has one flat face and one domed face. The hole has a diamater of 9.85mm. There is no cavity in the side wall. The lead is well patinated. Whorles are very difficult to date, as they were used from the Iron Age onwards with little change in design.

SWYOR-645683: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy possible spindle whorl. The whorl has one flat face and one domed face with a wide collar round the central hole. The hole has a diamater of 10.5mm. There is no cavity in the sdie wall. The lead is well patinated. Whorles are very difficult to date, as they were used from the Iron Age onwards with little change in design.

SWYOR-4B5DC7: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl of unknown date. The object is sub circular in plan and sub rectangular in cross section. The top of the whorl slopes and has a deep gouge at one edge, demarcated by creamy brown and grey patinas; one side is shallower than the other. The central perforation has an internal diameter of 7.5mm; slight wear may be seen on the wall of the perforation, showing up as a creamy brown patina. The whorl has a creamy white patina. Spindle whorls were used from the Iron Age onwards are are very difficult to date. Thickness: 9.4mm; Diameter: 20mm; Weight: 18.92g

SWYOR-BBEB93: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl of uncertain date. It is circular with one flat face and one domed face. The central hole has a diameter of 7.3mm and does not have a cavity in the side wall. The whorl has a creamy patina.

SWYOR-804BD5: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl of unknown date. It is circular in plan and plano-convex but quite thin. The edges are ragged and the central perforation is in a hollow on one face. The surface is pitted and the whole is covered with a thick white patina. Whorls were used from the Iron Age onwards are are very difficult to date.

GAT-E61066: SPINDLE WHORL
Perforated lead disc, sub circular in plan, somewhat battered. Both faces are flat. The central hole is very regular and round (4.45mm diameter) and there is a slight raised lip around it on one face. The edges of the disc are quite rounded and battered. No decoration is visible. Substantial tan and white powdery patina throughout. Probably a spindle whorl or possibly a weight - found with numerous Roman finds.

KENT-47F6B7: SPINDLE WHORL
Probably a lead spindle whorl or loom weight. Diameter of 24.18 - 25.33mm, thickness of 14.41 and wight of 53.6g. (No image)

GLO-FC6284: SPINDLE WHORL
Conical spindle whorl These artefacts date from the Roman Period to the Medieval Period

SWYOR-412E75: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl of uncertain date. The whorl is circular with a central hole that goes all the way through the object, and nearly straight sides. It is white in colour and has brown patches on it. It has a diameter of 20.30mm, thickness 6.04mm and a weight of 23.10g. A similar example is LEIC-8402A3. Whorls of this basic design were in use from the Iron Age onwards (Rogers, 2007, Cloth and Clothing in Early Anglo-Saxon England, p 25), but are usually impossible to date.

SWYOR-7086F1: SPINDLE WHORL
A possible sub spherical small spindle whorl. The slightly oval bead has a large central hole with straight sides. It could also have been used as a form of weight; perhaps a net-sinker or line weight. It has a length of 16.36mm, width 16.8mm, thickness 5.80mm and a weight of 22.76g. A similar example is BH-798332. The date and function of this object is not certain.

SWYOR-E94A64: SPINDLE WHORL
A decorated lead alloy spindle whorl. It is discoidal and is decorated on each side with eight crudely incised radial grooves which cut into the edge of the whorl but do not quite reach the central perforation. It is 26.6mm in diameter and 11.3mm thick. It weighs 55gm. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-E34187: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl which is domed on the upper face and has a circular groove on the base. There is a notch and projecting in one side which seems to be later damage. There is no concavity in the central hole. The whole is not very patinated. It is 26.53mm in diameter and 11.13mm thick. It weighs 36.38g. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods

KENT-54CC38: SPINDLE WHORL
Age uncertain. Lead alloy, crudely cast or miscast, possible spindle whorl/weight or dross. Length 32.4mm, Width 26.8mm, Thickness 7.7mm, Diameter 32.4mm, Weight 24.3g. Oval/roughly circular, convex upper surface and flat lower surface with roughly oval shaped off-centre spindle hole or else odd shaped lead dross or casting waste. Grey patina with surface corrosion. Ref. Detector Finds, Gordon Bailey, Greenlight Publishing 1992, page 52-57 No. 24 and Detector Finds 2, Gordon Bailey, Greenlight Publishing 1993, page 29-34 No. 37A & 37B.

SWYOR-3D6600: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead-alloy spindle whorl, decorated on both sides. The whorl is plano-convex with a circular central hole, but is damaged on both faces. The decoration on one side is raised radial ribs dividing the whorl into eight sections, with a large raised pellet in alternate spaces. On the other side, the raised ribs form a square with a St. Andrew’s cross inside it, running from corner to corner of the square. There is also a central raised rib sub dividing two opposing triangles formed by the square and the cross, and central pellets in the other two triangles. It is 32.3mm in diameter and 11.3mm thick. It weighs 39.34gm. There is a raised median rib. Decorated spindle whorls are very rare finds in excavations, but are often found by metal detectorists. They are usually biconical and are decorated on both faces with raised dots and radiating or zig-zag ribs. They have been found in ploughsoil over the site of Roman buildings, and in an excavated context dating from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century at an Austin Friary (Geake, 2001). It is thus very difficult to date decorated whorls, and it seems that they could have been in use at any time between the Roman and Late Medieval periods.

SWYOR-B26415: SPINDLE WHORL
A small lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl is slightly oval in plan and dome shaped in section, flat on the base and convex on the upper half. It has a circular hole which is not quite central. The sides of the hole are straight. There is no decoration. The whorl is 24.5mm in diameter, and 7.18mm thick. It weighs 19.05g. Helen Geake writes: "Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, "The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 - c1450"; and Biddle, 1990, "Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester"), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, "Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 - 78"). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context." Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-B25218: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl is plano-convex and has a central circular hole which appears to have straight sides. Both faces are decorated with raised radial and zig-zag lines. It has a diameter of 27.67mm and is 9.18mm thick. It weighs 26.45g. The whorl is grey coloured and does not appear to have a patina. Decorated spindle whorls are very rare finds in excavations, but are often found by metal detectorists. They are usually biconical and are decorated on both faces with raised dots and radiating or zig-zag ribs. They have been found in ploughsoil over the site of Roman buildings, and in an excavated context dating from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century at an Austin Friary (Geake, 2001). It is thus very difficult to date decorated whorls, and it seems that they could have been in use at any time between the Roman and Late Medieval periods.

HESH-7B13F0: SPINDLE WHORL
Ground and polished stone spindle whorl of probable late Prehistoric- later medieval date (-2000 BC – 1500 AD). The spindle whorl is sub-circular in plan, its diameter measures 38mm and is 11.5mm thick. There is a circular drilled hole through the whorl and this is set slightly off centre: it is also egg-timer shaped caused by drilling from both faces. The diameter of the hole measures 7.9mm. The whorl weighs 22.3 grams. The whorl is undecorated and the edges are worn. The whorl is made from course sandstone which has been shaped so that it is lentoid in cross section. The sandstone is most likely to be derived from a local source as similar geological material is known locally (pers com Daniel Lockett Curator of Natural Sciences – Shropshire Museum Service). The whorl is a mid grey brown colour with a number of large scratches and an irregular edge suggesting abrasion in the plough soil. Spindle whorls are used for a long period of time and as such are very difficult to date precisely without other evidence (such as pottery).

SWYOR-C3B8D7: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl is biconical with a large central circular perforation. There is a circumferential groove in the side of this hole in the centre of the whorl. There is a perforation half way down, at the widest point, that goes from the outer edge through to the larger central hole. The spindle whorl has a diameter of 30.2mm and is 16.1mm thick, weighing 59.58. The surface is scratched and appears to be undecorated. The whorl has a grey colour with little patination. Helen Geake writes: "Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, "The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 - c1450"; and Biddle, 1990, "Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester"), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, "Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 - 78"). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context." Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-BCE823: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl is discoid with bevelled edges and pentagon shaped in section. There is a large gash in one side. It has a diameter of 28.9mm and is 7.8mm thick. The whorl has a mid grey patina which is thin and appears to be more recent than many commonly seen. It is also decorated in an unusual way. The bevelled faces are decorated with close set radial lines. There is also a border of similar lines round the top face, but the centre is filled with a complex motif which is mainly obscured by the central perforation. The sides of the central perforation are straight. On the reverse there is a double concentric circle of raised lines round the central hole, and the test of the surface is filled with raised radial lines matching those on the outer edge. Decorated spindle whorls are very rare finds in excavations, but are often found by metal detectorists. They are usually biconical and are decorated on both faces with raised dots and radiating or zig-zag ribs. They have been found in ploughsoil over the site of Roman buildings, and in an excavated context dating from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century at an Austin Friary (Geake, 2001). It is thus very difficult to date decorated whorls, and it seems that they could have been in use at any time between the Roman and Late Medieval periods. This example has a very unusual style of decoration.

CAM-E2E3E3: SPINDLE WHORL
Ceramic spindle whorl. The fabric of the object consists of light orangey brown with calcareous inclusions. Diameter: 35.24mm, thickness: 20.33mm, weight: 23.95g.

DEV-7F14E1: SPINDLE WHORL
A spindle whorl, or, due to its lightness in weight, possibly a bead. The item was recovered from a stream. Unfortunately, it is not possible to date the item, as it was not found in an archaeological context. A similar example, which is slightly larger in size, was recovered from the same area. Please see related finds section for the relevant database number.

DEV-41B942: SPINDLE WHORL
A spindle whorl, or, due to its lightness in weight, possibly a bead. Unfortunately, it is not possible to date the item, as it was not found in an archaeological context. The item was found in a stream. A similar example, which is slightly smaller in size, was recovered from the same area. Please see related finds section for information.

WMID-1C5032: SPINDLE WHORL
A cast lead alloy weight, possibly a spindle whorl. The weight is sub-spherical with a tapering sub-circular (oval at the larger end) perforation running through its centre. The perforation has a maximum diameter of 8.6mm at one end and a maximum diameter of 11.1mm at the other end. The weight has a maximum diameter of 25.3mm and a mass of 65.8g. The weight is decorated with undulating, almost beaded parallel ridges. These are set within adjoining panels on the sphere of the weight. The edges of the panels are defined by more pronounced but similarly undulating ridges. There are three panels per hemisphere, each broadly lozenge shaped but with one incomplete corner truncated by the upper or lower central perforation. The ridges within each panel are at approximately 45 degrees to the orientation of the central perforation, but in the upper and lower hemispheres, the ridges are transverse to each other. There are also some feint narrow cross hatched incisions on the exterior sphere of the weight. The interior of the perforation has smooth walls, but there is a deep but narrow recess visible near to the centre which is likely to be a casting defect. The weight has a green brown surface, which may suggest that there may be a copper content in the lead alloy. In the "Finds Recording Guide", Geake (2001, p66) points out that: "The function of leads weights would have varied, from spindle-whorls to fishing weights to trade weights." She adds that spindle whorls should ideally be circular and must have a central perforation (ibid.). It is possible, therefore, that this lead weight is a spindle whorl. At the Austin Friary in Leicester (see Mellor and Pearce, 1981), a decorated whorl was found, still on its spindle, in a 13th to 15th century context. However, Geake (ibid.) states: "Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the Medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, "The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 - c1450", 255-261; and Biddle, 1990, "Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester"), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, "Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 - 78",184-5)." She adds that, in Cottam in East Yorkshire, detectorists found decorated whorls in ploughsoil over the site of Roman buildings (Geake, ibid.). Without further context, is it not possible to closely date this lead weight.

SWYOR-4E3F54: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl which is convex on one face and flat on the reverse. It has a diameter of 31.3mm and is 10.7mm thick. It has a large central hole which is tapered, being larger at the bottom than at the top so the whorl could not slide off the spindle. The top face is decorated with an unintelligible mass of slightly raised lines. Decorated spindle whorls are very rare finds in excavations, but are often found by metal detectorists. They are usually biconical and are decorated on both faces with raised dots and radiating or zig-zag ribs. They have been found in ploughsoil over the site of Roman buildings, and in an excavated context dating from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century at an Austin Friary (Geake, 2001). It is thus very difficult to date decorated whorls, and it seems that they could have been in use at any time between the Roman and Late Medieval periods.

WMID-D0E411: SPINDLE WHORL
A cast lead weight, possibly a spindle whorl. The weight is sub-circular in plan with a circular perforation running through the centre. The weight is broadly D-shaped in profile, with one domed side and one broadly flat side. The object has a maximum diameter of 24.9mm, and the central perforation is approximately 7mm in diameter on the flatter side, and approximately 8mm on the domed side. The weight is a maximum of 6.4mm thick, and it has a mass of 17.31g. The object has a light brown/cream coloured matt surface. The surface gently undulates around part of the the domed side of the weight, and a series of three adjacent humps are visible opposite the area with two straight incisions. The flatter side has a slightly raised rib running around the perimeter and also around the perforation. In the “Finds Recording Guide”, Geake (2001, p66) points out that: “The function of leads weights would have varied, from spindle-whorls to fishing weights to trade weights.” She adds that spindle whorls should ideally be circular and must have a central perforation (ibid.). It is possible, therefore, that this lead weight is a spindle whorl. At the Austin Friary in Leicester (see Mellor and Pearce, 1981), a decorated whorl was found, still on its spindle, in a 13th to 15th century context. However, Geake (ibid.) states: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the Medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”, 255-261; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”,184-5).” She adds that, in Cottam in East Yorkshire, detectorists found decorated whorls in ploughsoil over the site of Roman buildings (Geake, ibid.). Without further context, is it not possible to closely date this lead weight.

WMID-D0C111: SPINDLE WHORL
A cast lead weight, possibly a spindle whorl. The weight is sub-circular in plan with a sub-circular perforation running through it, slightly off-centre on one side. In profile, one side is slightly concave, the other is slightly convex, with a gently curved (concave) edge running around the circumference. The weight has a maximum diameter of 23.0mm, and the central perforation is approximately 6mm in diameter on the concave side, and approximately 5mm on the convex side. The weight is a maximum of 9.1 mm thick, and it has a mass of 27.04g. The weight has a mottled light brown/cream coloured matt surface. Neither side appears to be decorated. In the “Finds Recording Guide”, Geake (2001, p66) points out that: “The function of leads weights would have varied, from spindle-whorls to fishing weights to trade weights.” She adds that spindle whorls should ideally be circular and must have a central perforation (ibid.). It is possible, therefore, that this lead weight is a spindle whorl. At the Austin Friary in Leicester (see Mellor and Pearce, 1981), a decorated whorl was found, still on its spindle, in a 13th to 15th century context. However, Geake (ibid.) states: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the Medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”, 255-261; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”,184-5).” She adds that, in Cottam in East Yorkshire, detectorists found decorated whorls in ploughsoil over the site of Roman buildings (Geake, ibid.). Without further context, is it not possible to closely date this lead weight.

SWYOR-032B94: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl is circular with a central hole and a D shaped section. It has a circular recess round the central circular hole on one face. It has a diameter of 25.2mm and is 11.1mm thick. The whorl is in good condition with a dark brown patina. It weighs 36.9g. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-F42773: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl is discoid and rectangular in section but with a slight circular recess round the central circular hole on one face. It has a diameter of 28.2mm and is 10mm thick. The whorl is in good condition with a creamy yellow patina. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-F41667: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl is conical and has a large and irregular central hole for the spindle. It has a diameter of 19.6mm and is 27.4mm thick. The whorl is in good condition with a light grey patina. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

WMID-E98866: SPINDLE WHORL
A slightly incomplete decorated cast lead object, possibly a spindle whorl. The object is broadly circular in plan, although there has been some damage and loss of material at the outer perimeter. There is a broadly circular tapering perforation at the centre, although the walls have been pressed out into the void in two places on one side. In profile, the object widens gradually towards the flat centre, and it has a raised and curved circumference. The object has a maximum diameter of 37.5mm, a maximum thickness of mm and it weighs 50.56g. The object has a light brown/gray surface. Both sides are decorated with a ring of raised pellets between the central perforation and the circumference. On one side these pellets are set within annulets. On the other side there appears to be a star formed by raised “/” and “\” designs running between the circumference and the perimeter. These weighs are not yet completely understood. It is possible they could have been spindle whorls. At the Austin Friary in Leicester (see Mellor and Pearce, 1981), a decorated whorl was found, still on its spindle, in a 13th to 15th century context. However, Geake (2001, p66) states: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the Medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”, 255-261; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”,184-5).” She adds that, in Cottam in East Yorkshire, detectorists found decorated whorls in ploughsoil over the site of Roman buildings (Geake, 2001, p66).

SWYOR-B848E3: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl is bi-conical and has a central circular hole. It has a diameter of 25.8mm and is 13.2mm thick. Both faces are decorated with five radial raised lines with three raised pellets in each angle. The median rib is thickened. The whorl is in good condition with a creamy yellow patina. Decorated spindle whorls are very rare finds in excavations, but are often found by metal detectorists. They are usually biconical and are decorated on both faces with raised dots and radiating or zig-zag ribs. They have been found in ploughsoil over the site of Roman buildings, and in an excavated context dating from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century at an Austin Friary (Geake, 2001). It is thus very difficult to date decorated whorls, and it seems that they could have been in use at any time between the Roman and Late Medieval periods.

SWYOR-B829F1: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl is sub-spherical and has a circular hole which is not central. It has a diameter of 19.7mm and is 15.5mm thick. The whorl is in good condition with a creamy yellow patina. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

CAM-7E3071: SPINDLE WHORL
Half a chalk spindle whorl of unknown date.

SWYOR-400768: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl which is sub-cylindrical with a tapered central hole. The edges of the hole are rounded and the sides of the whorl are almost flat. It has a diameter of 13.9mm and is 11mm thick. It weighs 11.8g. It has a creamy white patina. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-3FF7F8: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl which is an irregular oval in plan. It has a circular hole which is not central. The base is flat and the top is slightly domed. It is 22.5mm long, 19.9mm wide and 6mm thick. It weighs 11.4g. It has a creamy white patina. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-3FE9F5: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl which is discoidal with a large central circular hole. It is rectangular in section, but one edge is chipped. It has a diameter of 24.7mm and is 5mm thick. It weighs 15.6g. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-3FDC73: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl which has a flat base and a slightly domed top. It has a central circular hole. It has a diameter of 30.6mm and is 6.9mm thick. It weighs 30g. It is undecorated and has a creamy yellow patina. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-3FABC4: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl which is squashed and damaged. It is oval in plan though it may originally have been circular, and it has a large oval hole in the centre. It is a rounded triangular shape in section. The top of the whorl is domed, but the base, which would have been flat, is rough and damaged, pushed out of shape. The whorl is 29.6mm long, 22.5mm wide and 10.4mm thick. It weighs 27.2g. It has a creamy yellow patina. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-3F9867: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl which is discoid with a large central circular hole. The whorl has a diameter of 27.5mm and is 8.1mm thick. It weighs 37g. It has a creamy yellow patina. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-DD4637: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl is sub-spherical with a central irregular circular hole. It has a diameter of 15.6mm and is 11.3mm thick. It weighs 11.7g. The whorl is in good condition with a grey patina. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” They have also been found on Roman sites. Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-DD3253: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl. The whorl is conical with a central circular hole. The surface is pitted. It has a diameter of 22.1mm and is 14.2mm thick. It weighs 30.7g. The whorl is in good condition with a creamy white patina. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” They have also been found on Roman sites. Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods.

SWYOR-B29FE2: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl of unknown date. The whorl is ellipsoid with central sub-circular hole. It is 17.5mm long and has a diameter of 15.2mm. The whorl weighs 20.7g. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods in this part of the country.

SWYOR-B29814: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead alloy spindle whorl of unknown date. The whorl is almost spherical with a flattened area on one side and a central circular hole. It is 15.5mm long and has a diameter of 13.7mm. The whorl weighs 15.9g. Helen Geake writes: “Dating of lead whorls is difficult. The drop spindle with which they were used continued in use until the end of the medieval period in London and Winchester (Egan, 1998, “The Medieval Household: Daily Living c1150 – c1450”; and Biddle, 1990, “Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester”), and for perhaps a century longer in Norfolk (Margeson, 1993, “Norwich Households: Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971 – 78”). The excavated assemblage from Winchester contains one lead whorl from a mid to late tenth century context.” Undecorated spindle whorls can therefore date from the Roman, Early Medieval or Medieval periods in this part of the country.

KENT-8A8816: SPINDLE WHORL
Age uncertain. Possibly Iron Age-Georgian. Lead alloy, crudely cast, spindle whorl. Length 23.9mm, Width 22.9mm, Thickness 7.2mm, Diameter 23.9mm, Weight 16.3g. Circular flattened conical shape, plain type, probable spindle whorl with central hole to accommodate the wooden spindle used in the manufacture of yarn. Some surface corrosion and a pale grey coloured surface. Ref: Detector Finds, Gordon Bailey, Greenlight Publishing 1992, page 55 No. 24.

KENT-4FDFF3: SPINDLE WHORL
Age uncertain Iron Age - Georgian. Lead alloy, cast, roughly circular, conical shaped probable spindle whorl or possible loom weight. Length 26.3mm, Width 24.5mm, Thickness 13.2mm, Weight 36.9g. Crudely made with relatively large but irregular circular central hole, suitable for wooden spindle. Plain, type with some surface damage and grey patina. Ref: Detector Finds 2, Gordon Bailey, Greenlight Publishing 1993, page 29-34, No. 37A, 37B & 64.

CPAT-348075: SPINDLE WHORL
A pierced thin disk of slate, a spindlewhorl with drilled, slightly off-centre, hole.

LVPL-A7EDE5: SPINDLE WHORL
Probable lead spindle whorl. Off-centre hole 8mm diameter. Slightly convex in section.

NCL-7BCA51: SPINDLE WHORL
A lead object, possibly a spindle whorl of uncertain date. The object is circular in plan and domed in section, with a central circular perforation. The base is flat. It has a diameter of 26mm, a thickness of 12mm and the perforation has a diameter of 10mm. It weighs 57.25g. As the diameter of the perforation is greater than 5mm, it has been classified as a spindle whorl rather than a weight following Tyrell (2015).

DEV-F30690: SPINDLE WHORL
Spindle whorl or loomweight made of red sandstone. It is roughly made with a 15mm diameter pierced hole. Date is unknown.

NMGW-991698: SPINDLE WHORL
Three eroded perforated lead weights or possible spindle whorl(s). These weights are not diagnostic and are difficult to date. Two of the weights are flat, while the third is bead shaped, but may originally have had a more biconical shape. Dimensions: Diameter (mm): 23.5-25.7 22.6-23.2 15.3-15.9 Diameter of perforation (mm): 5-6 7.5 7 Thickness (mm): 7.4 5.8 11.0 Weight (g): 20.8 14.4 9.2

HAMP2972: SPINDLE WHORL