A bun-shaped lead weight. VIIII incised on the base possibly indicating a weight measurement.
A uniform system of weights and measures was essential in Roman London. Precise scales were needed for all manner of purposes; from the preparation of medicines and make-up within the home, to the measuring of dies for the manufacture of textiles and for the buying of food at the market place. The Romans introduced the pound weight to Britannia, although they referred to it as a 'libra'. Which is why even today pound weights are abbreviated as ‘lb’.
