Great or 'muckle' wheel

This wheel was used by the Jeffs family during the later half of the 20th century, to wind yarn onto bobbins prior to weaving.   During the middle ages spinning in Europe became mechanised, probably as a result of Indian influence.  The spindle was driven by a hand turned wheel, with the spinner walking backwards to allow the yarn to draw out, and forwards again to let it wind onto the bobbin.  Although the new wheel could spin short woolen fibres, a drop spindle was still preferred for long fibres such as flax.