Monument record 830/7 - Site of a 17th/18th-century clay pipe workshop, Bugbrooke

The site of a clay pipe maker's workshop was identified from a 1665/6 indenture. Subsequent trial trench excavation on the site identified waste pipes and kiln muffle fragments dating from the late 17th and early 18th centuries

{1} The site of a property belonging to a 17th century clay tobacco pipe maker. The site was identified from a 1665/6 indenture, which describes the division of a three-bay house, barn and pasture between Richard and Elizabeth Halliwell and their son Thomas. The 17th century buildings no longer exist. Documentary research has shown that both Richard (c.1605-92) and Thomas (died 1712) were pipemakers, although Thomas was thought to have worked in Daventry where he was a freeman.

The trial excavations have produced evidence of waste pipes and kiln muffle fragments dating from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The pipe fragments include heel and spur forms, both of which appear to have been made from local clay sources. None of the excavated fragments is marked with the maker's initials or any decoration, other than milling. The pipe waste was recovered from disturbed contexts.

<1> PONSFORD M., 2000, Post-medieval Britain and Ireland in 1998 and 1999, 34/293 (checked) (Notes). SNN107513.

Record last edited

Jul 17 2019 9:40AM