Dear Chris,
Just saw the piece of slate on:
http://www.aug.edu/arts+sciences/history/Slate.htm
If the numbers are also scratched into the slate, as the grid is, it can't
be a proforma of some sort (e.g., recording building costs).
With the numbers and grid scratched into the face of the slate, it suggests
a 'permanent notice', like a goods price notice (couldn't make out the
right hand row of numbers to see if they only contained two digits).
The slate looked to me as being of slate roofing quality. Price list (rough
and ready) perhaps originating from a builders' sale yard or shop of some
sort? Slate fragments of whatever source were often carried onto building
sites for use to level stone courses (wedging) and to use for scribing (no
signs of scribing it seems - flattened edges).
I've seen many scored slates for writing purposes - the scoring is usually
very precise and sharp. The slate is nearly always of an extra fine grain.
Have seen them with the name of the owner scribed on the back. Also some
with example letters scribed onto the face of the slate.
If there was no great scatter of slate where you found your piece, I'd be
tempted to think that it originated from outside the site in terms of
original function. Anyway, thanks, I enjoyed having the opportunity of
being able to view the slate.
Best Wishes,
Robert
ROBERT V J P VARMAN Ph D INTERNET SITE
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