Spindle Whorls

These objects were used in the spinning of wool before the spinning wheel was introduced. They were fastened to a tapered wooden spindle, and acted as a flywheel.  The raw wool which was in a basket, was teased out by the spinster and then wrapped around the spindle, this was then spun thus producing a yarn.  These whorls are made of lead and probably date from the medieval period, though some could be earlier.

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