Hand querns were domestic utensils which were an important element in food preparation. These examples are on display in the Hearth and Home scene at JORVIK. Excavation at Coppergate revealed quern fragments scattered around all the Viking Age buildings. Some, like these examples, were made of Millstone Grit while others were made of vesicular lava, found especially in the Mayen area of Germany, and imported in quantity for making querns. This particular type of stone maintained its roughness despite constant use, making it an ideal surface on which to grind grain.

We are left with the puzzle of why these serviceable, vital utensils made from materials quarried 30 or more miles away, and then fashioned especially for their purpose, were simply abandoned! We know this type of grinding stone went out of use early in the medieval period, because during the 12th century their use was prohibited. Grain had to be ground at the lord of the manor's mills where dues had to be paid, so perhaps the explanation lies here.

Back to Introduction

Back to Treatment