Writing pen, stylus

Description

In 2003, Archeomedia carried out an excavation on the plot Groenmarkt 8 in Gorinchem, where a guesthouse used to stand that was first mentioned in 1329. During this excavation, a special find was made of 65 metal and bone writing styluses (stili) from the 13^e all 15^e century, found in one pit.

Writing pens have been used since classical antiquity to write on wax tablets. They consist of a sharp point to scratch in the beeswax and a flat end to make corrections. Wax tablets were used for short notes, calculations and writing instruction. People often carried several wax tablets in a case on their belt.

The 65 found writing pens can be divided into 9 types (A to I) based on material, dimensions and manufacturing method. Most (44 pieces) are made of tinned iron, in addition there are specimens of bone, copper, brass and bronze. They vary in length from 6,6 to 9,8 cm.

Typology of writing pens Groenmarkt

The use of writing pens in education declined in the 15^e century when slate and stylus were introduced. Traders continued to use washbasins and writing pens for longer, until the 17^e in 18^e century.

washboard

Brielle pencil case

The discovery of so many writing pens together is unique for the Netherlands. Similar, but smaller finds are known from Amsterdam, Dordrecht, Tiel, Amersfoort and Kampen. The Gorinchem pens mainly date from the 14^e in 15^e century.

The writing pens probably come from the old City School that was built in the 15^e and possibly already 14^e century stood on this spot. The discovery provides a special insight into medieval education in Gorinchem. Together with other finds such as pottery, bone material, metal and leather objects, the excavations on the Groenmarkt provide valuable information about the development of the city in the Middle Ages.