found near Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh
![Postcard of Spindle whorls.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00981064.jpg&PHPSESSID=a8rlkboem6j1eetms027c5uk64) 000-190-004-122-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Spindle whorls
When spinning wool, a spindle whorl was placed on a spindle, to act, by its weight, as a flywheel. These two lead examples were found in the area of the Royal Nurseries to the north east of Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh. They date from the 17th century.
The disc-shaped whorl on the left is decorated with a star pattern. The one on the right is also disc-shaped but is now misshapen.
Spindle whorls occur in a range of shapes and materials and are often the only preserved evidence of spinning. Whorls made the spindle rotate easily, while it was still unloaded with yarn.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-190-004-122-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland H.1992.220 |
Date: |
17th century 17th century
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Material: |
Lead, cast; disc-shaped, mis-shapen Lead, cast; disc-shaped. Inscription: [Star pattern]
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Dimensions: |
25 mm D 30 mm D
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What: |
Whorl, spindle Whorl, spindle
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Subject: |
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Who: |
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Where: |
Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Craigmillar (Area of Royal Nurseries NE of Craigmillar Castle) Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Craigmillar (Area of Royal Nurseries NE of Craigmillar Castle)
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Event: |
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Description: |
Disc-shaped, cast lead spindle whorl with star pattern, found in the area of the Royal Nurseries to the north east of Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh, Midlothian, 17th century Mis-shapen, disc-shaped cast lead spindle whorl, found in the area of the Royal Nurseries to the north east of Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh, Midlothian, 17th century
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