File:Medieval, Complete mortar (FindID 477639).jpg

English: A complete late medieval mortar carved from coarse Devonian sandstone dating from the later medieval or early post medieval periods (c. 1350 - 1600 AD). The mortar is broadly circular in plan and sub-rectangular in profile. The mortar itself has been carved from a single block of stone. The base of the mortar is smooth and relatively flat. The rim is complete and there is no evidence of a runnel or similar pouring spout. Around the upper edge of the mortar are four lobed projections. These are set at broadly 90° to each other. From above these form a relatively simple clover leafed shape. Each of the lobes is broadly D shaped in cross section and sub-rectangular in profile, the lower edge of each lobe tapers to an angular point approximately ¾ along the vessel. These lobes measure, 58.4mm width, 133.1mm length and they project 33mm. The walls of the mortar are of varying thickness, the average thickness is 30.3mm. The inner edge (mouth) of the mortar has a diameter of 182.5mm. The inner sides taper (slope) forming a conical shaped bowl which has a slightly dished base. The break of slope at the base is approximately 80°. The bowl of the mortar is 127.3mm deep. The outer face of the mortar has a large number of small angular dish shaped peck marks present. These are most evident on the upper part of the outer edge and on the four lobes. Similar marks can be seen on the interior edge, but these are polished through finish or possibly use. Apart from the outer lobes there is no obvious carved or incised decoration present. The mortar is a mid grey colour and it is relatively free from damage. The rim has several old patinated fractures and the base has also been damaged in antiquity. There are a number of places where the stone has been colonised by lichen, these are the grey brown coloured patches on the exterior surface. The interior is also stained by a combination of rain water and also it being used as an ashtray. A direct published parallel has not been found for this example. Stone mortars are relatively common domestic items which occur on both domestic and ecclesiastical sites in the medieval period. The use of a Devonian sandstone could suggest a local production source as it occurs in large outcrops in North Herefordshire and South Shropshire.

The mortar measures 197.5mm high is 239.3mm in diameter at the top and 127.0mm at the base. It weighs 12.8 Kilograms (12800 grams or 2 stone).