Piece of a linchpin

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.

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