51/161

Brander from Wessex. Branders were used for toasting brander bannocks (flat circular loaves of bread made of oatmeal and water).
This wrought iron brander comes from Wessex. Branders were used for toasting brander bannocks (flat circular loaves of bread made of oatmeal and water) over an open fire. It was suspended by the handle above the fire and the bannocks were placed on the base of the brander.

1 brander: metal (wrought iron); good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'Branders were used for toasting brander bannocks over an open fire. These were a form of bread : flat circular loaves made of oatmeal and water. The brander was suspended over an open fire and the bannocks placed on the plate or spikes which form the base of the utensil. // This brander is made of wrought iron, with a twisted handle for suspension, and a base consisting of a circular band of iron with three projecting spikes. It measures 18.25 inches in height. // Mr. Massingham obtained it from Wessex.', MERL list / description [Massingham Collection, October 1989] – 'ACC. NO.: 51/161 // NAME: BRANDER // NEG NO.: 35/133 // STORAGE: '