Ironwork in Medieval Britain

An Archaeological Study

Published by Society for Medieval Archaeology

Society for Medieval Archaeology Monographs, Volume 31

This monograph is the definitive survey of iron tools and other fittings in use during the period c1066 to 1540AD. Exceptional in a north-western European context for its range and coverage of artefacts from both rural and urban excavations, much of the material described here was recovered during 'rescue' projects in the 1960s and 1970s funded by the State through the Ministry of Public Works and Buildings and their successors. The text contains almost everything necessary to identify, date and understand medieval iron objects. In scope and detail there is still no published parallel and, as such, it will be essential for almost any archaeologist working in later medieval archaeology, particularly in the fields of excavation, finds study, museums and research.

Contents

Chapter 1 iron smelting and smithing

1.1 Iron smelting

1.2 Iron smithing

1.3 Bar iron and incomplete forgings

Chapter 2 metalworking tools

2.1 Anvils

2.2 Tongs

2.3 Pincers

2.4 Hammers

2.5 Flatters and set hammers

2.6 Chisels and sets

2.7 Punches and drifts

2.8 Fullers

2.9 Mandrels

2.10 Nail-heading tool

2.11 Files

2.12 Fire tools

Chapter 3 woodworking tools

3.1 Axes

3.2 Adzes

3.3 Slices

3.4 Chisels

3.5 Gouges

3.6 Auger bits

3.7 Saws

3.8 Drawknives

3.9 Shaves and spokeshaves

3.10 Planes

3.11 Files, rasps and floats

3.12 Reamers

3.13 Claw hammers

3.14 Claws

3.15 Punches

3.16 Pincers

3.17 Wedges

3.18 Compasses

Chapter 4 Stoneworking and plastering tools

4.1 Quarrying and the working of stone

4.2 Wedges

4.3 Hammers and mauls

4.4 Crows

4.5 Picks, pickaxes and mattocks

4.6 Hammer-axes

4.7 Axes

4.8 Punches

4.9 Chisels

4.10 Saws

4.11 Stone augers

4.12 Setting out tools

4.13 Hoisting equipment

4.14 Trowels

4.15 Slaters’ tools

4.16 Millstone dressing tools

4.17 Steeling and repairing tools

Chapter 5 textile manufacturing tools

5.1 Fibre preparation

5.2 Heckles

5.3 Carding combs

5.4 Weaving combs

5.5 Forceps

5.6 Tenter hooks

5.7 Harbicks and cloth shears

5.8 Needleworking tools

Chapter 6 tanning and leatherworking tools

6.1 Tanning

6.2 Currying

6.3 Leatherworking tools

Chapter 7 agricultural tools

7.1 Ploughs

7.2 Spades

7.3 Shovels with iron blades

7.4 Forks

7.5 Turf cutters

7.6 Hoes

7.7 Rakes and harrows

7.8 Billhooks

7.9 Weedhooks

7.10 Reaping hooks

7.11 Sickles

7.12 Scythes

7.13 Pitchforks

7.14 Spuds

7.15 Ox goads

7.16 Bells

Chapter 8 knives, shears and scissors

8.1 Knives

8.2 Shears

8.3 Scissors

Chapter 9 Building ironwork and furniture fittings

9.1 Structural ironwork

9.2 Door, window and furniture fittings

Chapter 10 locks and keys

10.1 Box and barrel padlocks

10.2 Padlocks operated by revolving keys

10.3 Locks

10.4 Padlock keys

10.5 Keys

10.6 Miscellaneous keys

Chapter 11 Household ironwork

11.1 The hearth

11.2 The kitchen

11.3 Lighting

11.4 Fire-steels

11.5 Buckets

11.6 Hooks

11.7 Balances

11.8 Chains, links and related fittings

11.9 Rings

11.10 Washers

11.11 Collars

Chapter 12 buckles and personal equipment

12.1 Buckles

12.2 Strap-ends

12.3 Belt slides

12.4 Belt hooks

12.5 Purse-frames

12.6 Scabbard fittings

12.7 Jew’s harps

Chapter 13 Horse equipment

13.1 Horseshoes

13.2 Oxshoes

13.3 Horseshoe and oxshoe nails

13.4 Curry-combs

13.5 Bridle bits

13.6 Bridle bosses

13.7 Harness fittings

13.8 Stirrups

Read More