05/06/26 Another nice day digging in the Glebe Field with only a few rain showers first thing. Probably the most interesting finds today were the equestrian iron objects in the attached photograph. The nail is really key to dating both objects, plus plenty of medieval potsherds in the same context. Firstly the nail, according to Goodall's 'Ironwork in the Medieval Period' , is a trapezoidal head 'Type B' 13th Century horseshoe nail. The hook object was found very close by and the level of corrosion is very similar to the nail so I think it's fair to say this is also 13th Century. If so, it could be either a horse harness 'curb chain'* fastener or a hook to fasten a spur strap, possibly for an early rowel spur, see Clarks 'The Medieval Horse and Its Equipment' p.136 to 146. * A curb chain looks like to chin strap or chain under the horses lower jaw, designed to enhance control. Really nice finds in what is likely the later period of occupation in the Glebe Field.
13th Century horse shoe nail and possible equestrian equipment hook.
Nail and hook found on the edge of stone mound, right of photo.
David