Objects Database

Belay Plate

Accession Number

497.2008.1

Object Name

Belay Plate

Created

25/11/2008

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

25/11/2008

Brief Description

Belay plate. Rectangular shape with elliptical hole in middle and two round holes at opposite corners.

Materials

metal

Dimensions

6(l) x 3(w) x 1(d)cms

Number Of Objects

Inscription Description

" 0 " stamped on one side

Colour

silver

Provenance

There wasn't a specific time when the change occurred, but it would be around 1976 when body belays finally gave way to belay plates. For over a century climbers had been looping the rope over their shoulders or wrapping it around their bodies to get some friction, which would stop the rope sliding should the leader, or second, fall. A variety of gadgets hit the market around this time, all with the same idea, which was to let a piece of metal or aluminium create the friction rather than the body.
This wee 'plate' was one of the early versions though we are not sure who made it - the small 'o' on the side is probably a manufacturing mark. This one came from Mick Tighe's personal gear, though we don't think he ever used it.