Object: Ell

Object Type(s)
Description

The ell, sometimes referred to as a cubit, was a unit of measure approximately equal to 27 inches.   It was intended to represent the distance from a man's elbow to the tip of the longest finger.

Ells of cloth like duffel or linen are noted extensively in the records, and often used to trade for other goods and even in land treaties.

ell = 27 inches