Wool-Working
Archaeologists think that wool-working was mostly done by women in Roman Britain. This is because wool and spinning decorations have been found on female tombs and spindles have been found inside female graves.
During the Roman period, textile production might have gradually changed from being an industry based in people's homes, to being something that was done outside the home. People had more access to ready-made cloth over time and preferred dyed fabrics and new styles that couldn't easily be made at home.
How was woollen thread made?
Once wool had been shorn from a sheep, the fibres were spun to make thread. Then the thread was woven to make cloth. Few Roman looms or spindles survive because they were made from wood. Some surviving evidence for wool-working and production includes iron shears and needles, as well as spindle whorls and loom weights made from bone, ceramic, stone and even chalk.
Wool-Working Objects
Archaeologists have found lots of evidence for wool-working in the Darent Valley. This includes 15 spindle whorls and lots of needles at Lullingstone Roman Villa.
Click on the images below to explore 3D scans of wool-working objects found at Lullingstone Roman Villa.
Activity Idea
ART AND DESIGN
Try weaving like the Romans using wool or paper strips to make a Roman-inspired woven mosaic. Take a square of coloured paper and cut vertical strips into it, not cutting right to the edge. Then cut different coloured strips of paper or wool that you can weave horizontally through your square.