Introduction

Crossbow bolts (sometimes called ‘quarrels’) are a specific form of arrowhead, with a socketed shaft and relatively narrow, piercing blade.  They can have a variety of cross-sections, generally square, but also triangular and other shapes.  Few examples are recorded by the PAS as they are made of iron; many are known archaeologically from castle sites, such as Baile Hill, York (Addyman and Priestley 1977, 138; fig. 10).  Indeed, there is currently only one spanning hook on the database; there is one crossbow nut in bone or antler.

PAS object type to be used

Use CROSSBOW BOLT

Date

These are predominantly medieval  finds.

Examples

Search for all examples of crossbow bolts

Key references

Addyman and Priestley 1977