This pilum was found in a ditch during excavations of the Roman fort in Kirkham, Lancashire. It is known as a pilum muralis which means 'wall spear' as it was used by a Roman soldier to create a defensive barrier around a temporary military camp. This pilum is well preserved and is made of wood smoothed and then sharpened at both ends. The handle grip in the middle suggests that it may also have been used as a throwing weapon or it may have been tied together with other stakes for defence.

The Romans invaded Britain in AD43 but did not engage in serious military activity in Lancashire until the late 60s AD. In the years after the invasion, the Romans formed an alliance with Cartimandua, the ruler of the Brigantes tribe that inhabited large areas of northern England. In AD69 her anti-Roman former consort Venutius seized power which resulted in the Roman invasion of the region in the early 70s AD.

The fort at Kirkham was part of a new network of defensive forts built in Lancashire at this time. There is evidence that there were three temporary marching camps at Kirkham before a permanent fort was established. This pilum may date to the earliest days of the Roman occupation of Lancashire.