BBC - A History of the World - Object : Roman Pig of Lead

Contributed by Peak District Mining Museum

Lead Ingot ploughed up in 1946 at a farm near Carsington, South of Matlock

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Mined in Derbyshire and smelted during a period of Roman occupationGalena, the ore of lead, was mined in Derbyshire from the Bronze Age. Romans worked lead ore in Derbyshire where it was smelted and turned into lead ingots (pigs) The uses of lead were many ie: water pipes, wine vessels, roofing and other building purposes. This ingot was found in 1946 on a farm near Carsington, where it had laid buried for 2000 years or more. It has been authenticated by R P Wright, editor of 'Roman Inscriptions of Britain'. He verifies the inscription of CCX as being in libra, the Roman unit of weight. 5050 grains (7000 grains equal 1 lb.) so that 210 libra equal 151.5 lbs. The actual weight of the pig of lead is 144 lbs - approx 69 kgs. It is difficult to determine the type of open mould that was used whether it be stone or clay as some other Roman pigs appear to have been cast in very precise moulds including cast inscriptions. This item has been in the Museum since 2004 and is on public display.

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