Viking-Age Lead Weights from Cottam

Abstract

This paper introduces a new dataset of Viking-Age lead weights, found over the last three decades at Cottam on the Yorkshire Wolds. The weights generate new insights into contemporary lead weight forms, functions, and weight standards. We compare the Cottam weights with other lead weights from contemporary sites in Britain, Ireland and Scandinavia, and suggest that they belong to a Scandinavian lead weight tradition. We also review the possible functions of lead weights, and suggest that the Cottam finds were scale weights, intended for use with hand-held balances, most likely for the weighing of staple commodities in exchange. The results of metrological analysis imply that the weights were manufactured in accordance with established Scandinavian weight units, specifically with an øre (ounce) of c. 24g. In this way, the paper contributes important new evidence for the existence and use of Scandinavian weighing systems in Viking-Age England.

Keywords:

• lead weights
• weight standards
• Cottam
• exchange
• trade

Acknowledgements

Our thanks go to Paula Gentil at Hull Museum, the landowner, Robert Bannister, and the following detectorists for information on the weights from Cottam B: R Doughty; S Foster; C Hannard; D Hirst.

Notes

1 In the final excavation report, several perforated lead items recovered from Cottam B were erroneously published as weights; however these had previously been correctly identified as spindle whorls. Richards 1999, 10; Haldenby 1990; 1992

2 Eight of the weights, found in the 1980s, were not individually plotted since they were not initially recognised as weights. A further seven weights have subsequently been found and plotted in light of the growing realisation that they are indeed weights. Their exact find spots are not being published, to guard against unauthorised detecting.

3 The ring-shaped weight is unusual, but it does have parallels: in a lead piece from the magnate farm of Gamle Hviding, Jutland, as well as among the lead weights from Dorestad and Viking Dublin. Cf. Jensen 1990, 31, fig. 7, x377; Willemsen 2009, 123, fig. 148, bottom left; Wallace 1987, 212.

4 In order to aid comparisons with the lighter ore unit, we have calculated units of halves and thirds, although it should be noted that Brøgger viewed the heavier as divisible only by sevenths. Brøgger 1921, 8, 16.

5 Metalworking has, however, been documented at the earlier, Anglian, settlement. Richards 1999, 91

6 Many thanks to Gert Rispling for this identification.