Brooch

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This enamelled bronze brooch, also known as a fibula, was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. In the Roman Empire brooches of this shape are found only in Britain. They were worn in the 2nd century AD by both Romans and natives.

This picture shows the brooch from the side, showing the spring and pin. It is type called a trumpet brooch, due to the shape of the head which protects the spring. It would have been worn as a pair, linked to its partner by a chain.

Brooches were used to fasten clothing, and are understandably a common find on Roman sites. Trumpet brooches are a fusion of Roman and native influences: they are Roman products, but with native ornamentation or features.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-113-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 761
• Date: 80 - 180 AD
  Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Enamelled of Backworth type
  Fibula / brooch
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Fibula / brooch
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Trumpet brooch, with enamelling, from the Roman site at Newstead, Roxburghshire, 80 - 180 AD
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, pp 321-2, Pl LXXXV, 11. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: