Papers by Robert Webley
Medieval Archaeology, 2024
This short note presents a medieval pilgrim badge that has been fully identified six years after ... more This short note presents a medieval pilgrim badge that has been fully identified six years after its initial discovery and recording. The badge is a rare survival from the cult centre of St John Lateran in Rome - the first recorded by the PAS, and one of only three so far traced in England. Like other broadly 13th-century badges originating in Rome, it has lost its attachment loops; this point is further discussed in relation to other continental badges found in England.
A United Europe of Things, 2023
This chapter proposes that decorative pendants from medieval horses’ harnesses represent a novel ... more This chapter proposes that decorative pendants from medieval horses’ harnesses represent a novel vehicle through which to approach the question of whether there was a common material culture across Europe in the Middle Ages. On the one hand, pendants helped decorate harnesses from England and France in the west, to Poland, Czechia and Hungary in the east. On the other, authors have recently drawn out certain particularities in the use of different forms in different parts of the continent. This chapter seeks to build on previous findings in terms of chronology and spatial analysis. A diachronic approach is taken to assess a change from a commonality of pendant forms at the start of the high medieval period, to an increasing diversification and separation over the thirteenth-fourteenth centuries; here I also use the untapped evidence of pendant suspension mounts. In closing, we will consider whether the distributions of harness pendants support German scholar Stefan Krabath’s notion of numerous material divisions within medieval Europe, or, rather, imply a more universal phenomenon.
Tayside and Fife Archaeological Journal, vol. 27, 2021
Two late medieval lead-alloy badges found in Cambridgeshire, England, are argued here to belong t... more Two late medieval lead-alloy badges found in Cambridgeshire, England, are argued here to belong to the cult of Saint Margaret of Scotland (r 1070–93). As such, they represent the first pilgrim souvenirs to be linked to this important Scottish saint, whose cultic centre was at Dunfermline, Fife, and for whom badges have been speculated but never before identified (S Lee 2014; Penman and Utsi 2020). The badges were recovered in separate incidents by metal detecting and recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). The following is an examination of the badges’ significance which integrates complementary material and literary sources in an effort to draw out the wider implications of the finds. Thorough in scope, it encompasses a detailed description of the badges and discussion of their imagery, form, date, potential contexts of manufacture, acquisition, use and eventual deposition in England.
Post-Medieval Archaeology, 2019
Back in the bag: Essays exploring artefacts in honour of David Wynn Williams, 2022
This paper begins with an appreciation of David [Williams] but, really, the whole note may be see... more This paper begins with an appreciation of David [Williams] but, really, the whole note may be seen as an appreciation of the pioneering work David produced on the subject of equipment of the 'long 11th century'. David expanded our knowledge of various components, most notably stirrup-strap mounts, working alongside metal-detectorists to do so (before this had become commonplace). This article develops various aspects of David's work on these non-ferrous components of horse gear, before presenting the most complete set of 11th-century bridle fittings found to date in England.
Medieval Archaeology, 2021
This short note presents three new examples of 11th- to 13th-century 'Romanesque bronze' bowls fr... more This short note presents three new examples of 11th- to 13th-century 'Romanesque bronze' bowls from England, seemingly the first new publications of such bowls since the 1980s. Two examples are fragments which show evidence of clear (and less clear) re-use, suggesting that further examples of such bowls might be found amongst otherwise undefined fragments, as on the Continent.
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2021
Popular culture presents a deep-rooted perception of medieval warhorses as massive and powerful m... more Popular culture presents a deep-rooted perception of medieval warhorses as massive and powerful mounts, but medieval textual and iconographic evidence remains highly debated. Furthermore, identifying warhorses in the zooarchaeological record is challenging due to both a paucity of horse remains relative to other domesticates, and the tendency of researchers to focus on osteological size, which makes it difficult to reconstruct in-life usage of horses and activity related changes. This paper presents the largest zooarchaeological dataset of English horse bones (n = 1964) from 171 unique archaeological sites dating between AD 300 and 1650. Using this dataset alongside a modern comparative sample of known equids (n = 490), we examine trends in size and shape to explore how the skeletal conformation of horses changed through time and reflected their domestic, elite and military roles. In addition to evidencing the generally small stature of medieval horses relative to both earlier and l...
Cheiron: The International Journal of Equine and Equestrian History, 2021
The warhorse is arguably the most characteristic animal of the English Middle Ages. But while the... more The warhorse is arguably the most characteristic animal of the English Middle Ages. But while the development and military uses of warhorses have been intensively studied by historians, the archaeological evidence is too often dispersed, overlooked or undervalued. Instead, we argue that to fully understand the cultural significance and functional role of the medieval warhorse, a systematic study of the full range of archaeological evidence for warhorses (and horses more generally) from medieval England is necessary. This requires engagement with material evidence at a wide variety of scales-from individual artefacts through to excavated assemblages and landscape-wide distributions-dating between the late Saxon and Tudor period (c. AD 800-1600). We present here a case study of our interdisciplinary engaged research design focusing upon an important English royal stud site at Odiham in Hampshire. This brings together several fields of study, including (zoo)archaeology, history, landscape survey, and material culture studies to produce new understandings about a beast that was an unmistakable symbol of social status and a decisive weapon on the battlefield.
Tayside and Fife Archaeological Journal, 2021
This paper presents two medieval lead-alloy badges
found at Fordham, Cambridgeshire, which are
... more This paper presents two medieval lead-alloy badges
found at Fordham, Cambridgeshire, which are
identified by the authors as belonging to the cult
of St Margaret of Scotland. Detailed examination
of the badges situates them in time and space,
placing their production in the 13th century and
pinpointing Dunfermline, Queensferry or St
Andrews as possible centres of manufacture and
acquisition. The first badges to be attributed to this
saint, they are an important addition to the small
but ever-expanding corpus of pilgrim souvenirs
from Scotland. They provide rare glimpses into
the processes of design and manufacture of pilgrim
souvenirs and are evidence for the extra-regional
reach of St Margaret’s cult. Overall, this paper
demonstrates how much information can be
gleaned from objects such as these with careful
integration of complementary historical and
material sources.
Des objets et des hommes. Etudes offertes à Michel Feugère, 2021
The copper-alloy ‘octopus’ mount, enigmatic in some countries’ historiographies, is here presente... more The copper-alloy ‘octopus’ mount, enigmatic in some countries’ historiographies, is here presented as a medieval shield boss mount. In the spirit of the Artefacts project, work from across Europe has been brought together to support such an identification, provide dating, and chart the distribution of such objects. They, and the ‘binding strips’ from shields with which they can be associated, are then discussed as markers, and reinforcers, of elite identity within the context of recent work on the materiality of medieval elites.
Cahiers LandArc, 2020
This note focuses on a group of sizable medieval mounts made either in copper alloy, iron, or bot... more This note focuses on a group of sizable medieval mounts made either in copper alloy, iron, or both in combination, for which the function requires clarification. These mounts have variously described with reference to the Lombardic letter forms « M », « W » and « B », demonstrating confusion as to their correct orientation. Meanwhile, attribution of their function has ranged from brooches or handles, to lock fittings or items of horse furniture. Here, a specific association with curb bits is asserted, drawing on artefactual evidence and artistic representation. Based on analysis of around fifty examples, mostly from the United Kingdom but also encompassing continental evidence, the dating of these objects is considered in depth, as are available contextual associations.
Medieval Archaeology, 2019
This paper introduces and discusses a group of broadly 14th-century single-looped buckles. These ... more This paper introduces and discusses a group of broadly 14th-century single-looped buckles. These oval buckles are characterised by an outer edge which widens gradually towards its centre, thus providing a sizeable field either side of the pin rest. Two-thirds of the corpus of over 100 examples are decorated with engraved and punched motifs. These motifs comprise abstract forms, schematic or realistic vegetal or animal motifs, representations of humans and architectural features, and religious inscriptions. Such buckles are typical of the South of France, but are documented here for the first time from the eastern and southern coasts of England. Their presence in England can be framed in a commercial context; once diffused, they might have been copied, and other decorative motifs introduced in order to meet local needs. Compositional analyses revealed the existence of alloy groups with high proportions of lead or tin, potentially testifying to production in separate workshops.
Medieval Archaeology, 2019
In this short note, a small group of strap connectors with distinctive features are analysed. Usi... more In this short note, a small group of strap connectors with distinctive features are analysed. Using archaeological and stylistic evidence in combination they can be dated to the later 10th and 11th centuries. Their size and distinctive characteristics suggests that they might be an under-recognised type of book fitting.
Medieval Archaeology, 2018
A buckle of unusual construction is presented using examples recorded through the PAS to better u... more A buckle of unusual construction is presented using examples recorded through the PAS to better understand a singular piece known through excavation. The type is composite, formed of a separate frame, plate and bar; the pin, unusually, being integral with the plate. The ensemble bears moulded Urnes-style decoration. As further components are recognized, there is potential to modify claims of a dearth of metalwork in the decades after the Norman Conquest.
The Coat of Arms, 2017
The Coat of Arms, 3rd ser. 13 (2017), no. 233/234, pp. 1-12
An update of work presented in Cah... more The Coat of Arms, 3rd ser. 13 (2017), no. 233/234, pp. 1-12
An update of work presented in Cahier LandArc N°19, with expanded distribution mapping and analysis drawing the enigmatic 'octopus' mount and associated binding strips into sharper focus in the English literature on medieval shields, specifically the proposed origins of the heraldic charge of 'escarbuncle'.
In preparation. In Deckers, P. and Ten Harkel, L. (eds), A Central Place on the World's Edge. St... more In preparation. In Deckers, P. and Ten Harkel, L. (eds), A Central Place on the World's Edge. Studies on the Early Medieval History and Archaeology of the Island of Walcheren, the Netherlands.
Cahier LandArc N°19, février 2017: Appliques "binding strips" (responsable d'édition : Jean Soula... more Cahier LandArc N°19, février 2017: Appliques "binding strips" (responsable d'édition : Jean Soulat)
Un groupe d’appliques en alliage cuivreux datant de la période médiévale a depuis longtemps été identifié et étudié par les spécialistes du petit mobilier, essentiellement en Angleterre. Connues sous le nom de «binding strips», ces appliques en forme de bande sont considérées comme étant caractéristiques des XIIe et XIIIe siècles et des sites de haut rang. La publication récente d’études incluant ce type d’objets, en Angleterre ainsi que sur le Continent, invite à reconsidérer leur identification, datation et répartition. Les publications internationales présentent différentes interprétations sur leur fonction, qui ne peuvent être conciliées que si l’on admet l’hypothèse d’usages multiples. Malgré cela, ces objets demeurent importants pour l’étude du mobilier métallique médiéval pour plusieurs raisons qui seront explorées dans l’article.
Medieval Archaeology, 2014
This section of the journal comprises two core sets of reports linked to work in 2013: on finds a... more This section of the journal comprises two core sets of reports linked to work in 2013: on finds and analyses relating to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) and on site-specific discoveries and reports in medieval Britain and Ireland (MB&I), with a selection of highlighted projects. For the PAS report, reviews on coin and non-coin finds and on specific research angles are presented. For MB&I, the Society is most grateful to all contributors
Medieval Archaeology, 2013
TIZIANA VITALI and TOMÁS Ó CARRAGÁIN with PATRICK GLEESON This section of the journal comprises t... more TIZIANA VITALI and TOMÁS Ó CARRAGÁIN with PATRICK GLEESON This section of the journal comprises two core sets of reports linked to work in 2012: on finds and analyses relating to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) and on site-specific discoveries and reports in medieval Britain and Ireland (MB&I), with a selection of highlighted projects. For the PAS report, reviews on coin and non-coin finds and on specific research angles are presented. For MB&I, the Society is most grateful to all contributors
Post-Medieval Archaeology: PAS round-up by Robert Webley
Post-Medieval Archaeology, 2021
In 2019, over 16,000 archaeological finds were recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme for th... more In 2019, over 16,000 archaeological finds were recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme for the post-medieval and modern periods. After setting out the year's statistics and emphasising the research value of PAS post-medieval data, this report details a number of important finds recorded in 2019, also highlighting related finds of interest.
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Papers by Robert Webley
found at Fordham, Cambridgeshire, which are
identified by the authors as belonging to the cult
of St Margaret of Scotland. Detailed examination
of the badges situates them in time and space,
placing their production in the 13th century and
pinpointing Dunfermline, Queensferry or St
Andrews as possible centres of manufacture and
acquisition. The first badges to be attributed to this
saint, they are an important addition to the small
but ever-expanding corpus of pilgrim souvenirs
from Scotland. They provide rare glimpses into
the processes of design and manufacture of pilgrim
souvenirs and are evidence for the extra-regional
reach of St Margaret’s cult. Overall, this paper
demonstrates how much information can be
gleaned from objects such as these with careful
integration of complementary historical and
material sources.
An update of work presented in Cahier LandArc N°19, with expanded distribution mapping and analysis drawing the enigmatic 'octopus' mount and associated binding strips into sharper focus in the English literature on medieval shields, specifically the proposed origins of the heraldic charge of 'escarbuncle'.
Un groupe d’appliques en alliage cuivreux datant de la période médiévale a depuis longtemps été identifié et étudié par les spécialistes du petit mobilier, essentiellement en Angleterre. Connues sous le nom de «binding strips», ces appliques en forme de bande sont considérées comme étant caractéristiques des XIIe et XIIIe siècles et des sites de haut rang. La publication récente d’études incluant ce type d’objets, en Angleterre ainsi que sur le Continent, invite à reconsidérer leur identification, datation et répartition. Les publications internationales présentent différentes interprétations sur leur fonction, qui ne peuvent être conciliées que si l’on admet l’hypothèse d’usages multiples. Malgré cela, ces objets demeurent importants pour l’étude du mobilier métallique médiéval pour plusieurs raisons qui seront explorées dans l’article.
Post-Medieval Archaeology: PAS round-up by Robert Webley
found at Fordham, Cambridgeshire, which are
identified by the authors as belonging to the cult
of St Margaret of Scotland. Detailed examination
of the badges situates them in time and space,
placing their production in the 13th century and
pinpointing Dunfermline, Queensferry or St
Andrews as possible centres of manufacture and
acquisition. The first badges to be attributed to this
saint, they are an important addition to the small
but ever-expanding corpus of pilgrim souvenirs
from Scotland. They provide rare glimpses into
the processes of design and manufacture of pilgrim
souvenirs and are evidence for the extra-regional
reach of St Margaret’s cult. Overall, this paper
demonstrates how much information can be
gleaned from objects such as these with careful
integration of complementary historical and
material sources.
An update of work presented in Cahier LandArc N°19, with expanded distribution mapping and analysis drawing the enigmatic 'octopus' mount and associated binding strips into sharper focus in the English literature on medieval shields, specifically the proposed origins of the heraldic charge of 'escarbuncle'.
Un groupe d’appliques en alliage cuivreux datant de la période médiévale a depuis longtemps été identifié et étudié par les spécialistes du petit mobilier, essentiellement en Angleterre. Connues sous le nom de «binding strips», ces appliques en forme de bande sont considérées comme étant caractéristiques des XIIe et XIIIe siècles et des sites de haut rang. La publication récente d’études incluant ce type d’objets, en Angleterre ainsi que sur le Continent, invite à reconsidérer leur identification, datation et répartition. Les publications internationales présentent différentes interprétations sur leur fonction, qui ne peuvent être conciliées que si l’on admet l’hypothèse d’usages multiples. Malgré cela, ces objets demeurent importants pour l’étude du mobilier métallique médiéval pour plusieurs raisons qui seront explorées dans l’article.
1. 'A late Saxon silver disc brooch from Suffolk' (Andrew Brown)
2. 'Some unusual late 9th- to 12th-century copper-alloy strap-ends or chapes' (Robert Webley and Laura Burnett)
3. 'An aberrant form of 10th-century strap-end' (Andrew Rogerson and Steven Ashley)
4. 'Pilgrim signs of St Margaret of Antioch' (Michael Lewis)
universal problem of how to deal with objects of archaeological, historical
or cultural importance found in the soil by members of the public (portable
antiquities): the Treasure Act 1996 and the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Indeed, using metal-detected finds, recent analysis of equestrian equipment from the late early-medieval and medieval period (Central Middle Ages) has served to challenge perceptions of the extent of social exclusivity of such accessories, particularly in the 11th century. This paper will use the latest data, from both excavated and metal-detected datasets, to explore such suggestions. Furthermore, it will build on recent initiatives to analyse horse accessories across national boundaries. Such work will only be enhanced in the future by the new recording schemes for metal-detected finds in Denmark (DIME project), Flanders (MEDEA project), and the Netherlands (Portable Antiquities of the Netherlands). However, there is already enough data to suggest that although various items, such as stirrup-strap mounts, were being used throughout a North Sea zone, varieties of both form and decorative treatment were together being used in distinct areas to create and reinforce local identities.
In the intervening period many metal items decorated in this style have come to archaeological attention through the recording of metal-detected finds, especially through the Portable Antiquities Scheme: more than double the corpus presented by Owen in 1997. The Danelaw focus is no longer tenable, and the characterisation of objects decorated in the style has moved firmly from the ecclesiastical sphere to the secular. Scholars have begun to use this new corpus to examine differences in distribution, drawing out interesting discrepancies between object types. This paper explored these patterns further, drawing on results of the first systematic survey of the style since Owen’s study. It noted a markedly southern and eastern distribution pattern for equestrian equipment, which for the first time included mounts previously associated with boxes or books. If current dating is accepted in the Anglo-Norman period for the English Urnes style the equestrian equipment shows an orientation towards northern France and the Low Countries. By contrast, the distribution of dress accessories, especially brooches, suggested an enduring cultural alignment with the Scandinavian world. Evidently the Urnes style was being used by different groups to simultaneously express different identities in the early Anglo-Norman period.
Talk and summery text for the Society of Antiquities 'Seals and the People of Britain' conference in 2021
Artefacts provide important evidence where records may not exist, such as private beliefs, social lives and informal dress. They bear witness to those less likely to appear in historical records, such as the poor and children. Objects also provide a tangible link to events. In doing so they confront us with their reality and the experience of the individual humans who lived through this most formative of periods.