1) The OED lists ‘creel’ from <i>c</i>.1425 in the sense of a large wicker basket, of a type that might be used in pairs across the backs of horses.
1575 j wandyt creile vjd, West Burton. The creel used by masons in York was evidently quite different, bound with iron and capable of being hoisted off the ground, even with heavy loads. These containers seem likely to have been made of wood or at least very strong wicker work: 1399 Item iij creles ferro ligati cum cathenis pro wyndyng petrarum.
2) Used in general of wooden frames which were different in kind and served different purposes. It might be a kind of shelf.
1585 v railes with a crele for cheses, Knaresborough, or a frame to wind yarn on, as in the will of John Marsden of Hill Top: 1682 Loumes, Warpeing Wough and Creeles, Marsden. In the East Riding the word was apparently used for a trough: 1619 creiles for cattle to eate in, South Cave.