Watering can

We found this interesting object at Binham Priory during our recent Norfolk jaunt. The pot would originally have tapered up to a narrow neck with a thumb-sized opening. The neck doubled as a handle and it would have been possible to submerge the whole thing in water so that it filled up through the tiny holes in the bottom.

Then, by judicious use of the thumb, a gardener would have been able to transport water to the garden and sprinkle it over whichever plants needed it. Thumb over the neck meant that air pressure held the water in the pot, moving the thumb allowed air in and water out. Isn't that clever?

If you look at a large version of the photo you can probably read the label that says it's late medieval:  1400s to 1500s.

Introducing The History Anorak

The History Anorak has had an online presence for more than a decade. Ignore what it says on the front of the website - it badly needs updating. That's one of the reasons for starting this blog. If a few posts of historic interest build up it will provide a basis for revamping the original. It sort of lost its way a few years ago. It needs a new skin and some content updates at the very least. Please be patient with it in its current form.

So meanwhile this will be a place to discuss history, archaeology, a bit of art (because art is sometimes history and modern art will be history in the future), anthropology, heritage, museums, and all things connected. While this blog is underway the old site should undergo its revival.

The History Anorak used to be a popular site with schools. It contains a lot of Victoriana and was apparently a rich source of lesson-support material for Key Stage 3 teachers. Not so recently. It gets few visitors these days. With any luck this blog will help to put that right.