Description

Summary: 1 curb bit, from Ludgershall Castle, a Medieval Royal Castle and hunting lodge in East Wiltshire, excavated by Peter Addyman and Southampton University, 1964-1972.

Research results

A Medieval iron curb bit from the Royal Medieval Castle and hunting lodge at Ludgershall, excavated by Peter Addyman and Southampton university between 1964 and 1972. The bit is hinged, and the rectangular section would have hung below the horses mouth and it was to this that the reigns, and potentially other decorative objects, were attached. This design may have helped avoid undue pulling on the horse' mouth. The earliest forms of this type of bit are found in late 10th and 11th century France and depictions on the Bayeux Tapestry suggest that they were introduced into England with the Norman Conquest. Whilst the form dominated on continental Europe between the 11th and 14th centuries, finds are relatively rare in England, however it has been recently argued that they were probably more widespread than previously thought. This bit was found in a context dated to c. 1280-1300.

This object was recently examined by John Clark (2020), emeritus curator with the Museum of London, as part of his discussion of the introduction, development and use of hinged curb bits in Medieval England and Continental Europe.