Search Results

Spindle whorls

< 1 of 1 > Back

found near Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh

Postcard of Spindle whorls.
000-190-004-122-C
© National Museums Scotland

Spindle whorls

When spinning wool, a spindle whorl was placed on a spindle, to act, by its weight, as a flywheel. These two lead examples were found in the area of the Royal Nurseries to the north east of Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh. They date from the 17th century.

The disc-shaped whorl on the left is decorated with a star pattern. The one on the right is also disc-shaped but is now misshapen.

Spindle whorls occur in a range of shapes and materials and are often the only preserved evidence of spinning. Whorls made the spindle rotate easily, while it was still unloaded with yarn.


Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID: 000-190-004-122-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.1992.220
Date: 17th century
17th century
Material: Lead, cast; disc-shaped, mis-shapen
Lead, cast; disc-shaped. Inscription: [Star pattern]
Dimensions: 25 mm D
30 mm D
What: Whorl, spindle
Whorl, spindle
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Craigmillar (Area of Royal Nurseries NE of Craigmillar Castle)
Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Craigmillar (Area of Royal Nurseries NE of Craigmillar Castle)
Event:
Description: Disc-shaped, cast lead spindle whorl with star pattern, found in the area of the Royal Nurseries to the north east of Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh, Midlothian, 17th century
Mis-shapen, disc-shaped cast lead spindle whorl, found in the area of the Royal Nurseries to the north east of Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh, Midlothian, 17th century
References:
Translations:
Related Records:
< 1 of 1 > Back
 
Powered by Scran