Object: Jug

Date:  Medieval

Description: A green glazed pottery jug used at Rothesay Castle. The jug would have been used for water or ‘small ale’. It was not safe to drink water in medieval times so small ale was brewed (mainly by women) as a safe alternative. It had a low alcoholic content and was drunk by everyone including children. The jug still has its original label, from the time of its discovery in the 19th c, and it is an important part of its history.

Origin: Found in the moat of Rothesay Castle when the 3rd Marquess of Bute commissioned work to be done in the 19th c.