Lead Weight, Milton, Beattock

Made from metal and lead, these weights would have been used during the Roman period to ensure the accurate measurement of goods in a variety of situations.   The pound, which has largely been replaced by the Kg as a standard weight measurement actually derives from the Roman period when it was an agreed measurement throughout the empire. The Roman pound was divided into 12 ounces, however many merchants throughout Europe during this period preferred to use a larger pound of 16 ounces, as this is more conveniently subdivided into halves, quarters, or eighths. This situation became more complicated as the pound therefore had different values of weight, meaning merchants during the period would have to be acquainted with these values before trading.