Publication recently of the rich collection of undecorated wooden objects from Novgorod not only throws much light on the important part played in medieval life by wooden equipment, but provides valuable evidence for medieval looms. The horizontal loom was in general use at Novgorod in AD 1220, and in Britain a somewhat earlier date, mid-late 12th century, may be suggested. No recognisable parts of vertical looms survived at Novgorod, though they must have existed, and this renders less significant the similar lacuna in Britain. The suggested date for the introduction of the horizontal loom would fit Carus-Wilson's suggestion that the Stamford (Lincs) cloth known as haubergi� (halbergetum, etc) was made on a vertical loom, and hence ceased to be made in mid-13th century, when the horizontal loom came into general use. The same publication indicates the enormous range of lathe-turned wooden vessels, the specialised tools, boats, sledges, wooden parts of horse-collars, and items of domestic equipment recovered from Novgorod.

Medieval Archaeology, 12, 146-147