Medieval glass
This section comprises pagan Anglo-Saxon vessels; glass from 'Middle Saxon' Lundenwic; and later medieval vessels, both imported and of English 'forest glass' (for explanation of 'forest glass', see North European potash glass).
Knowledge of medieval glass has increased enormously since the 1980s. Vessels once thought to be 'post-medieval' are now known to have been made up to 300 years earlier. The Museum's collection, which includes enamelled drinking vessels from Venice and high-lead glasses, probably made in 13th or 14th-century Germany, is small but of major importance to researchers.
Note that some of the vessels that we have catalogued in this section because the shape had a medieval origin, may actually have been made in the 16th century. This includes 'Inghistera' bottles and many of the 'forest-glass' flasks. Conversely, for goblets and tableware made in Venice from 1450 onwards, see the next section: Fine glass in the Venetian style.
Featured types
| Anglo-Saxon and 'Middle Saxon' (400 - 1000) |
| Miscellaneous and unclassified (400 - 1500) |
| Flasks, bottles and general 'forest glass' (1000 - 1500) |
| Drinking glasses and other fine glassware (1100 - 1500) |