Monument record 1223/2 - Medieval and post medieval pottery manufacturing site

Pottery production site centred on the village of Potterspury, other kilns were operating in the villages of Paulerspury, Yardley Gobion and Yardley Hastings. Production was first documented in 1287 when the `Potter' placename element to Potterspury was first used. Excavations in Potterspury have located Musty type 1b kilns which were in use during from the mid-late 14th century until the 15th century. The pottery was of a hard, slightly sandy, firing fabric, in forms including cooking pots, bowls, jugs, dishes and cisterns. Ridge tiles were also produced. Little is known about the industry until the 17th century when a potter, Leonard Benton, was documented in 1649.

{1} Documentary references to post-medieval potters discussed.

{3} Several medieval and post-medieval pottery kilns have been disocvered in and around the village. The general background to the pottery industry in the village has already been published {2}.

<1> TULL G.K., 1966, The Potteries of Potterspury, 10/10-14 (checked) (Article). SNN47221.

<2> MAYES P., 1968, A Seventeenth century kiln site as Potterspury in Northamptonshire, 2/55-81 (checked) (Article). SNN75492.

<3> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p. 120 (Series). SNN77382.

<4> McCarthy, M R, Brooks, C M, 1988, Medieval Pottery in Britain AD 900-1600, p. 432 (Book). SNN76510.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 7:29PM