From Carlingwark Loch, Kirkcudbrightshire

Iron bridle bit, an iron latch lifter and a bronze mirror handle

This iron bridle bit, iron latch lifter and bronze mirror handle are part of a hoard of native and Roman tools and high quality craftwork. The hoard was deposited in Carlingwark Loch in Kirkcudbrightshire between 80 and 200 AD as a gift to the gods.

The bridle bit is a normal Romano-British type known as a two-link bit. It fitted in a horse's mouth and reins were attached to the rings. One ring is missing. The latchlifter, used to flick open a latch, is bent out of shape.

The mirror handle in particular is a piece of high quality native workmanship. Bronze mirrors are found in both Roman and native sites, particularly in southern Britain. They would have been valuable and prestigious possessions.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-034-870-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.DW 77
Date:	Between 80 and 200 AD
Material:	Iron Iron Iron
Dimensions:
What:	Bit, snaffle Handle / portion Handle, key
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Carlingwark Loch Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Carlingwark Loch Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Carlingwark Loch
Event:
Description:	Portion of an iron handle from Carlingwark Loch Iron snaffle-bit from Carlingwark Loch Iron key handle from Carlingwark Loch
References:	Stevenson, Robert B.K. Metal-work and some other objects in Scotland and their cultural affinities. In: Rivet, A.L.F. The Iron Age in northern Britain. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1966, p. 25. Piggott, S. Three metalwork hoards of the Roman period. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 87 (1952-3), 1-50. Find in NLS: Title, Author, Title+Author or British Library: Title, Author, Title+Author
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