Turf cutter

This iron turf cutter was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was used to cut turfs when constructing ramparts, sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

Iron scythe or turf cutter from Newstead

Roman soldiers were builders as well as fighters. On the march, they built temporary ramparts and ditches around their camps. Once an area had been conquered, the army built forts and permanent barracks of wood or stone.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-957-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 291
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Iron
  Scythe / turf cutter
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Scythe / turf cutter
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description:
• 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 57. 
• Translations:
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