The Harborough Hoard of 17th century toys was discovered in 1988 following structural alterations to Market Harborough Parish Church. The stairwell was unblocked after about 230 years and a large quantity of pottery fragments and wooden artefacts were found. The Harborough Hoard is made up of 117 tipcats, 89 tops, 13 sap whistles, six knucklebones and seven balls. There are also five whip handles, two possible teetotums and eight wooden cylinders, possibly used as toys. In all, this hoard constitutes the largest single collection of post-medieval street toys yet found within the UK and a remarkable insight into the contents of an early 17th century school student’s pocket.

Source: Express February 02, 2022 22:26 UTC