10. Iron Measuring Jug

Tudor & Stewart World in 100 Objects

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Appropriate measurement of quantities was an important part of commercial life. It was the responsibility of the local justices of the peace or the town council to ensure that traders gave the proper measure of goods – failure to do so would result in punishment, generally a turn in the stocks or the pillory.

This measuring jug, in the V&A museum, dates to 1601. It has been stamped with the initials ER to show that it has been made to an officially approved standard. 

Read more on weights and measures here