Bronze tripod pot (1)

During the early Middle Ages earthenware cooking vessels were used.  By the 1300s pottery had been replaced by metal, usually bronze, an alloy of tin and copper.   The most common shape was the cauldron with three legs and an angular handle at either side of the neck.  These pots were either hung from a chain over the fire, or stood directly in the flames.  The handles of this bronze pot end in three clawed spatulate "feet".   From the collection of antiquarian, Joseph Train.