Roman brooches
Plate brooches were used throughout the period of the Roman Invasion but the peak of popularity came in the 2nd century. These could be very elaborate and stylish with a mix of silvering and coloured enamels usually red, blue, orange, green and yellow.These would have been expensive items to be worn by those who could afford them.
This brooch dates from the 2nd century and is classed as an equal ended brooch.It consists of a decorated centre piece with two circular tri lobed outer sections which would have been decorated with coloured enamels, some of which does still remain.
Another example of an equal ended plate brooch, this type has zoomorphic terminals. Although small it has a lot of delicate work including a centre panel that would have been enamelled.
A composite plate brooch consisting of four conical discs with raised borders joined with a smaller panel, with a good amount of enamelling still showing, complete with pin.
Chatelaine brooches.
This type is regarded as Romano British. They were very detailed and colourful. The lower one still has the suspension bar, which is very rare, off this bar would have hung cosmetic implements, an ear scoop, tweezers and nail cleaner. Some believe these could have been to girls on their coming of age.
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