Piece of a linchpin

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A linchpin is a pin inserted through an axle to keep a wheel in place. This example is made of iron with a bronze head, and was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It dates from between 80 and 180 AD.

The crudely cast pin is broken off at the end, but otherwise in good condition.

Entire carts or wagons from this period rarely survive. Often all that is left are metal fittings and bindings. Sometimes the fittings, even of necessary items like linchpins, were decorated.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-046-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 488
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Iron; copper alloy terminal
  Linchpin
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Linchpin
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron linchpin with copper alloy head, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, James. A Roman frontier post and its people: the Fort of Newstead in the parish of Melrose. Glasgow: Maclehose & Sons, 1911
• Translations:
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