Girding the loins? Direct evidence of the use of a medieval English parchment birthing girdle from biomolecular analysis

In this paper, we describe palaeoproteomic evidence obtained from a stained medieval birth girdle using previously developed dry non-invasive sampling technique. The parchment studied (Wellcome Collection Western MS. 632) was made in England the late fifteenth century and thought to be used by pregnant women while giving birth. We were able extract both human non-human peptides manuscript, including for use of honey, cereals, ovicaprine milk legumes. addition, large number detected on roll, many which are found cervico-vaginal fluid. This suggests that roll actively during childbirth. study is, our knowledge, first analyse non-collagenous method demonstrates potential type analysis manuscripts, providing direct biomolecular active use.