Medieval Scribes, Tools, & Practices A collection of authentic medieval tools used in all aspects of the scribe's work. This collection, originally organized by Alan Cole, belongs to the Museum of Writing Research Collection, Institute of English Studies, University of London, and is housed in the Senate House Library.

Exhibit Contents:

Exhibit Home

1. Book Mounts/Clasps

2. Page Marker

3. Reading Pointer

4. Seals

5. Rowels

6. Line Marking Frame

7. Sander (or Pounce Pot)

8. Tweezers

9. Pricker

10. Leads

11. Quill Pens

12. Four-flanged Pen

13. Stylus

14. Penners

15. Firelighter Iron

16. Tooth Burnisher

17. Medieval Inks

18. Lead Inkwell

19. Inkhorn

Title Inkhorn

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Brief description The inkhorn was another container to hold ink, sometimes seen worn on the belt. Although used into the eighteenth century, they weren’t very common after the late Medieval period. Scribes are sometimes shown holding the inkhorn in one hand, but usually it would be inserted into a metal hoop stand, attached to the right–hand side of the desk. Other times the horns are placed in holes in the desk, the points protruding below the desk. The base features a plug of wood, removed to fill the horn with ink, while covering the hole at the top.

Content description Height: 90mm. Base: 48mm x 42mm.

Contributor: Sean Gates

Contribution date: Winter 2014