Skip to main content Accessibility statement

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking the Accept button, you agree to us doing so. More info on our cookie policy.

Histories of Northamptonshire
View in timeline

Roman Lucet

Roman 45 - 65 CE Roman and Early Medieval

A lucet was used to make braids and cords. Found at a Roman military site this is the earliest example found in Britain or Europe.

Roman lucet from Orton Waterville (formerly part of Northamptonshire and Soke of Peterborough) © Peterborough Museum
Roman lucet from Orton Waterville (formerly part of Northamptonshire and Soke of Peterborough)

A lucet is used to weave ropes, braids, and cords. This specific example, carved from an antler, dates to 45-65 CE (Roman Britain). Lucets have often been associated with Anglo-Scandinavian culture; but this particular object far predates that assumption, making it possibly the earliest known example from Britain and continental Europe. It was found within the site of a Roman military base and lay in Northamptonshire soil for 2,000 years before its discovery in 1972 to 1975.

The Roman military would have used the lucet’s strong cord and lace for a range of purposes, both practical and decorative - from creating leather accessories to tent fastenings.

This lucet is testament to the innovative people who lived their lives where we now stand; to the skills they learned and shared; and the lives of the people of Northamptonshire, who helped shape not only our county but also the wider country and the rest of Europe.

Number 22 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.

Orton Waterville
Contributed by Isobel Rae Chase

Explore related content (external site)

See our disclaimer

View video on YouTube

Previous object
Next object

Related objects

  • Length of Buckingham Point Bobbin Lace known as the Paisley Pear © NMAG
    Modern

    Paisley Pear

    This Paisley Pear is an exceptional piece of Bucking Point Bobbin lace. Lacemaking was a prominent Northamptonshire industry from the 17th to 20th centuries.

  • Discarded (partially worked) antler chess pieces © NMAG
    Medieval to Tudor

    Bishop and Queen Chess Pieces

    These two discarded 12th century antler chess pieces were made in a workshop and are evidence of Northampton as a bustling medieval centre.

  • pieces of decorative marble from Piddington Roman villa © UNAS
    Roman and Early Medieval

    Mediterranean marble used as decorative inlays on luxurious Roman furniture

    These marble pieces were excavated at the Roman villa at Piddington, from a third or fourth century rubbish heap.

  • Broken Roman chalk spindle whorl marked with name © NMAG
    Roman and Early Medieval

    Roman Spindle Whorl

    Marked with the name of the Roman woman who used it, spindle whorls were used to spin wool into yarn to make clothes.