Monument record 112/0/8 - Medieval pottery kiln, Potters Lyveden (Site C)

Medieval pottery kiln identified during excavations at Lyveden deserted Medieval settlement between 1965-67. The kiln (site C) comprised a large area of burning and ash, with a scatter of burnt limestone. The kiln has been interpreted as a possible clamp kiln in production during the 13th-14th century.

{1} Site C; burned limestone blocks & large quantities of pottery found indicating presence of pottery kiln; large quantity of red ash found beneath & to south-west of burned stones; on either side was burned clay & hard yellow sand; to north-east was yellow-grey impacted clay at 1ft depth surrounded by wall of limestone rubble; a second area of ash was found; interpreted as double-ended pottery kiln with stoke holes built at both ends; pedestal largely ploughed away & no traces of fire arches in-situ; measured c.9ft x 7ft; only small find was large iron bolt head in ash of north-east stoke hole; plan & section; pottery report included

{2} The DMV of Lyvedon was part excavated from 1965-72. Excavation of Site C revealed the remains of the possible base of a clamp kiln.

<1> STEANE J.M., 1967, Excavations at Lyveden, 1965-1967, (unchecked) (Interim Report). SNN107291.

<2> 1998, NATIONAL DATABASE OF MEDIEVAL POTTERY PRODUCTION CENTRES, (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN43542.

<3> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, Used with NMR & CUCAP collections (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<4> McCarthy, M R, Brooks, C M, 1988, Medieval Pottery in Britain AD 900-1600, p. 288 (Book). SNN76510.

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 6:19PM