Record

Tongs

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found at Newstead, Roxburghshire

Postcard of Tongs.
000-100-036-961-C
© National Museums Scotland

Tongs

These iron tongs were found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. They were used to move the hot iron from the forge to the anvil and hold it while it was hammered. Similar tongs are still used by modern blacksmiths.

These tongs have been designed for left-hand use, so the hammer could be held in the right hand.

The Roman army needed blacksmiths to make iron tyres, fittings, and nails, as well as to repair weapons. A number of objects used in the smiddy have been found in the Roman forts.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-036-961-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 299
Date: Between 80 and 100 AD
Material: Iron; made for a left-handed man
Dimensions: 16.00" L
What: Tongs, smith's
Subject:
Who: Newstead Collection
Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
Event:
Description: Smith's iron tongs from Newstead
References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Breeze, D.J., and Mackay, Ghillean. The Romans in Scotland. An introduction to the collections of the National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland. Edinburgh: National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, 1980, p 60. 
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