Bowl

Wooden bowl made from ash wood, found during archaeological excavations of the Priory and Hospital of St Mary Spital. This medieval hospital was one of the largest in England. The blackened surface on this wooden bowl is probably a greasy deposit from accumulated long-term use for stews and soups. The double-bowl shape is highly unusual and it is possible that it was flipped over after a first course had been consumed so the other side could be used for a second course. The wide rim of the bowl helped to avoid spillage and would be useful for patients who were frail. A total of 18 wooden vessels were found in a pit on the site of St Mary Spital medieval hospital, next to the infirmary. They were probably used by patients - some bowls had personal marks underneath suggesting they were used by individual patients.