Quernstone
Name/Title
QuernstoneEntry/Object ID
L.2021.22Description
Quernstone with iron spindle still attached found at TrimontiumUse
Quernstones were used to grind grain into flour.There would have been a second stone below/above this stone and the grain would have been places in the middle. Using the iron spindle in the center of the stone, the user of the quernstone would have either used leather or wooden handles attached to the iron spindle to help move the stones to crush and grind the grain into flour.Context
Numerous quernstones were found on the site, the most popular being those made of Niedermendig basalt lava probably imported from the Rhine, however this quernstone was made of millstone grit. Jame's Curle notes in his book that all of the quernstones were frequently found at the bottom of the rubbish pits. The iron spindle is mostly intact.Collection
Historic Environment ScotlandCategory
Quernstone
Food Preparation & Storage
Acquisition
Accession
MEL5174Source (if not Accessioned)
Historic Environment ScotlandNotes
LoanMade/Created
Time Period
1st - 2nd centuryEthnography
Cultural Region
Continent
EuropeCulture/Tribe
Romano British