Spindle Whorl

As well as evidence for fine metalworking, the 2012 excavation revealed evidence for textile production at Trusty’s Hill too.

Woollen textile manufacture is clearly demonstrated by the stone spindle whorl recovered from the western side of the summit. Producing textiles, whether from wool or leather, is the likeliest explanation for the purpose of the toothed socketed iron tool found during the dig. A single cultivated flax seed also recovered may represent early medieval flax processing at this site too, perhaps for the production of linen.

These items suggest that the household at Trusty’s Hill was engaged in the production of textiles and it may be that the finished products, just like the gold, silver and leaded bronze metalwork, were finely crafted. Leather working may even have complemented the metalworking, with combined leather and metal objects, such as decorated horse harness, being produced in the workshop here.

iron tool