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Description: | Cannon ball of post-medieval (probably English Civil War) date (1600-1700AD). The cannonball is sub-spherical with a diameter of 106mm (4.18 inches [4 inches 3/16]). It weighs 5.2 kilograms (11.5lbs). It is made of iron which has been presumably cast. There is a small linear ridge running around part of the ball, which might be the remains of the casting flange. The ball is of a mid-brown orange colour with areas of flaking and active corrosion. The cannon ball is in fairly good condition; however, there are a number of areas which exhibit pitting, denting, and grazes. This might suggest either use or, more likely, damage in the soil. The size of the ball suggests that it was possibly for a 5 inch bore cannon called a Basilisk which fired a ball weighing approximately 15lb (Bailey, G. 2000: Finds Identified, Greenlight Publishing: pages 94-95).Comment 22/11/2012 - Peter ReavillThe basilisk is a rare cannon and it is most likely instead to be from a Culverin or demi culverin. The Culverin had a bore of 5.5 inches and shot balls which weighed 15-18lbs. Culverin's were stationed at Shrewsbury under the command of Prince Rupert and were sent to the seiges of Brampton Bryan, Hopton Castle. For a similar ball see:HESH-CEFFA3http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/531169
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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