Record ID: NMS-D82BE3
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
One half of a whetstone of fine-grained non micaceous mid-grey stone, perforated at one end by a drilled hole with a slightly “hourglass” cross section, this originally made the recorder think that this may have been a Beaker period stone wrist bracer with a single hole, further research has shown many of the whetstones from the Early Medieval/Medieval period had similar profiled perforations and is now much more likely to be of this later date and function. One lateral edge and the end with the perforation is ground to a thin, pointed edge, the opposing side is flat, almos…
Created on: Wednesday 4th October 2023
Last updated: Monday 13th November 2023
No spatial data available.

Record ID: NMS-D88224
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Fragment of a large sub-rectangular sectioned whetstone, of fine-grained non micaceous mid grey stone with lighter, linier streaks throughout, both ends are broken, the surviving section appears to be the centre with all sides constricted from use wear, one only subtlety worn, one face has a prominent, rounded groove that runs down the length on the centre, this must have been wear from one specialised form of grinding or sharpening.
Created on: Wednesday 4th October 2023
Last updated: Monday 13th November 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: YORYM-68CB11
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: North Yorkshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete hone or whetstone of Early-Medieval to Medieval date, c.AD 700-1400. The object is rectangular in plan and section, tapering in thickness from pierced end to a worn transverse break at the other. The wider end or top of the object is pierced with a circular perforation measuring 3.1mm in diameter. This appears to have been drilled from each face. Numerous irregular striations are visible on each face of the object. The stone is a hardstone which is black in colour and has no inclusions. The object is 34.9mm long, 19.9mm wide, 4.9mm thick and weighs 6g. It is likely…
Created on: Monday 23rd October 2023
Last updated: Tuesday 24th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: PUBLIC-65BC0C
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete whetstone of probable early-medieval date (c. AD 800 - 1100). Description: The whetstone is formed from a very fine-grained, sedimentary, mica-rich stone with distinct bedding planes. It is sub-trapezoidal in plan with tapering sides and is rectangular in cross section. Both ends are broken, probably in antiquity, with the narrower end broken across the hole for the suspension cord. There is also some damage and loss to one of the wider faces and edge. All sides are flat and very smooth with one face showing a longitudinal thin groove scored across it…
Created on: Wednesday 11th October 2023
Last updated: Thursday 12th October 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'South Somercotes', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: BM-0876E1
Object type: HOARD
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: North Yorkshire
Workflow stage: Published
A group of finds, including items of precious metal, found in association in a small, closely confined area and entirely separate from other finds from the “Ainsbrook” site (a fictitious name chosen by the finders), although the exact context is unrecorded. The object numbers in brackets below refer to the finds list drawn up by the conservation laboratory of the Yorkshire Archaeological Trust. A. PRECIOUS METAL FINDS Surface metal analyses conducted at the British Museum indicated the approximate precious metal contents noted for each object below. GOLD Gi…
Created on: Tuesday 15th March 2022
Last updated: Wednesday 25th May 2022
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'The Ainsbrook Hoard', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NARC-94B8CB
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Buckinghamshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete possible Whetstone of Uncertain date (AD 800 BC – AD 850). The object is composed of a compacted sandstone water rolled cobble; there is some indication of the presence of mica or other abrasive constituents in a sandy matrix. The object is sub-triangular with slightly convex sides. There is a recent removal scar at one end, at the opposing end of the same side is a circular concave depression. Length: 127.70mm, Width: 74.59mm, Thickness: 37.43mm, Weight: 402.2g Similar examples can be seen on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database: BM-CFB553, SOM-A830D0 a…
Created on: Monday 10th May 2021
Last updated: Friday 4th June 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: PUBLIC-D97F1F
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete whetstone of probable early-medieval date (c. AD 800 - 1100). Description: The whetstone is formed from a very fine-grained, sedimentary, mica-rich stone. It is sub-trapezoidal in plan with tapering sides and is sub-rectangular in cross section. Both ends are broken, probably in antiquity. Two sides are flat and smooth, with one having a 45mm long, thin groove, typical of those found on many whetstones and part of the sharpening process.. The other sides are slightly rougher and this may be due to post-depositional damage. Measurements: Length 75.90mm: Width 16…
Created on: Wednesday 7th April 2021
Last updated: Thursday 8th April 2021
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'South Somercotes', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NLM-01827C
Object type: PENDANT
Broad period: NEOLITHIC
County: North Yorkshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Jet possible pendant fragment. Flat fragment from the curved end of a plate with a round countersunk aperture of diameter c.5mm drilled from both sides, and with a smoothed angled facet along one edge. The object is broken along a diagonal line which could suggest its original form to have been sub-triangular, and is encrusted with roughened textures at aperture and along lower broken edge. Jet has long been regarded as magical in that it is a stone that may float or burn, and, like amber, it collects static electricity if rubbed. Objects of this form do not appear among Roman je…
Created on: Tuesday 17th June 2014
Last updated: Monday 1st March 2021
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Staithes', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NLM-59D611
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: ROMAN
County: North Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Fine grained honey coloured Sandstone, possible whetstone fragment. Rectangular section fragment, possibly from a bar shaped workshop or kitchen whetstone - as distinct from hones worn or carried at the belt. All four sides appear smoothed, and one side may also be lightly dished. A break at one end is ancient damage inflicted before a prolonged period of immersion; the break at the other end is recent, exposing tiny quartz inclusions. The rest of the surface has been smoothed after its ancient breakage by prolonged immersion and rolling by water. The material is not ideal for sharpen…
Created on: Monday 10th June 2013
Last updated: Tuesday 2nd February 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HAMP-437FB5
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Hampshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A whetstone or hone made of a fine grained brown grey stone with a high mica content, possibly a schist. The whetstone is 78mm in length, sub rectangular and narrow with rounded ends and oval cross section. The wider end has a drilled hole for suspension. There is an oblique notch across the narrow end which may be post-depositional damage.
Created on: Monday 12th October 2020
Last updated: Monday 12th October 2020
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: YORYM-4399F2
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: East Riding of Yorkshire
Workflow stage: Published
A large fragment of whetstone, which is probably early-medieval in date. Numberous whetstones made in this material have been found in the East Ridings of Yorkshire in Viking contexts. The stone from which the whetstone has been carved is a fine-grained stone such as Mica Schist, sourced in Scandinavia. The stone has been chipped and ground into the whetstone shape and has large chamfered edges. The chamfered edges are still very obvious. Weight: 85g.
Created on: Thursday 12th February 2009
Last updated: Friday 18th May 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Yapham', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NLM-D6615D
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: North Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Stone possible whetstone. A small dense compact dark grey pebble of triangular section with rounded ends and sharply defined arises between its flat faces, probably initially formed by wind erosion in a dusty or icy environment. One side, however, is lightly hollowed, probably by wear arising from use as a sharpening stone, and handling may have contributed to the smooth finish of other surfaces. The use of improvised whetstones, often recovered from Glacial Drift, was characteristic of a long period from Prehistory, through the Roman period, and up to the Viking Age introduction of s…
Created on: Wednesday 21st February 2018
Last updated: Wednesday 21st February 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Low Burnham', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: PUBLIC-F85E33
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: East Riding of Yorkshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fine grained, pale grey, oblong shaped sandstone, with some plough damage at one end of the reverse face, used as a whetstone. Both faces are smoothed by wear, and the edges are rounded and show evidence of being used for sharpening blades. The improvised use of various stones from glacial drift for sharpening or rubbing stones is characteristic of the Roman and Early Medieval periods until the Viking Age, when Scandinavian stones from the Telemark region became widely available. Suggested date: Unknown, Roman to Early Medieval, 43-850. The known history of the site leans towards…
Created on: Monday 29th January 2018
Last updated: Tuesday 30th January 2018
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HAMP-E2B784
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Hampshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete fine-grained micaceous stone whetstone or hone. It is sub-rectangular in shape with (worn) breaks at both short ends, revealing a D-shaped cross-section. It narrows from 20.1x14.8mm at one break to 14.6x11.6mm at the other, over a length of 76.3mm. The stone is grey to the flat underside but otherwise brown in colour with lines of silvery inclusions running through it. These appear as dark grey longitudinal striations on the brown surface. The stone is soapy to the touch. The object weighs 41.20g. Whetstones or hones of this type were often perforated in order to susp…
Created on: Tuesday 18th July 2017
Last updated: Tuesday 18th July 2017
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Bishops Waltham', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NLM-7FA566
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: North Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Lead and stone whetstone fragment. The broken end of a fine-grained grey layered stone, possibly a slate but resembling a 'phyllite', with a neatly-cut square section groove around its narrower end, and another at right angles to this on either side. The broken end of the hone has been sheathed in lead, which has held its parts together. The hone may have broken across the site of an original suspension hole. There is a probably drilled transverse hole in the end of the lead sheathing which would replace it. This is an unusual example of the repair of a personal hone so it could be co…
Created on: Friday 26th May 2017
Last updated: Tuesday 30th May 2017
Spatial data recorded.

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: YORYM-E160E3
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: East Riding of Yorkshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete whetstone, dating to the early Medieval to Medieval period (c.AD 700-1400). The object is broadly rectangular in plan, and triangular in cross section. It is dark brown in colour with very fine micaerous inclusions. A number of linear striations are present on all sides which reveal a light coloured stone underneath. It has a worn break at each terminal, and it is likely that it was pierced at one end and the break has exposed the aperture. It is likely that this hone would have been suspended around the neck by means of the hole at one terminal. Stuart Ogilvy (geolog…
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: LVPL-1B5301
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: East Riding of Yorkshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete whetstone, dating to the early Medieval to Medieval period (c.AD 700-1400). The object is broadly triangular in plan tapering in width from the sub-oval pierced end to a rounded point. The wider end or top of the object is pierced with a circular perforation measuring 5mm in diameter. This appears to have been drilled from each face. It is likely that this hone would have been suspended around the neck by means of the hole at one terminal. A fragment of the stone has broken away in recent times at the holed terminal end. Thin horizontal striations or scratches are vis…
Created on: Wednesday 14th December 2016
Last updated: Tuesday 20th December 2016
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Skirpenbeck', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: LANCUM-972281
Object type: FINGER RING
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Cumbria
Workflow stage: Published
Three silver rings from Cumwhitton burial (grave 24) The precious metal finds from the grave comprise three heavily corroded silver rings. Surface metal analysis conducted at the British Museum indicated an approximate silver content for them of 97%. The associated non-precious metal finds from the grave are also listed below. 1) a finger-ring consisting of a strip forming a plain, lozenge-shaped bezel with tapered shoulders and the ends twisted round each other; diameter, 25 mm max; height of bezel, 11 mm max (find no. 798). This form of ring is typical of the Viking period and…
Created on: Monday 16th February 2009
Last updated: Thursday 15th September 2016
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Carlisle', grid reference and parish protected.