Monument record 4221/0/4 - Pottery kiln, probably medieval

Finds of Roman and Medieval pottery and slag indicate the site of a possible settlement.

{1} Archaeological work carried out between 1926 and 1932 revealed what appears to have been a pottery kiln as well as much iron slag and pottery, then thought to ‘favour a pre Roman rather than a Romano British’ date.

{3} Excavation by F.Strongman for Northants Natural History Society & Field Club revealed remains of pottery kiln originally thought to be Roman but finds c.1400 suggest it may be medieval.
In 1926 the dome of a pottery kiln was found. The dome was built upon a framework of wood, then covered with clay, then earth. A large depression nearby seems to be ancient clayworkings. Several pieces of smelted iron ore have been found as well as a few iron objects similar in style to late Celtic or Romano-British. Indications that the site was used as a rubbish dump.

{5} Excavation between 1926-32; portion of clay dome of pottery kiln was revealed in July 1932; possibly Romano-British or medieval; also iron slag & pottery sherds recovered; large depression near to kiln lined with blue & yellow clay with "….steps covered with loose stones leading to bottom…."; fragments of drainpipe found at depth of 10ft; suggested as rubbish dump because no significant features were recognised; also appears to have been located away from earthworks as report says that not until August was any attempt made to sink "….test holes…." into earthworks; finds of C13th pottery & tools dated c.1400 AD; latter were supposed to be tools for pottery manufacture; also 6 fragments of glass & medieval bronze pin;

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1981, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.159 site 9 (checked) (Series). SNN77381.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP78SW6 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<3> 1931, Journal of Northants Natural History Society and Field Club, 173-4 (checked) (Journal). SNN59323.

<4> 1998, NATIONAL DATABASE OF MEDIEVAL POTTERY PRODUCTION CENTRES, (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN43169.

<5> MARKET HARBOROUGH ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY COLLECTION, EXCAVATION REPORT, (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN44428.

<6> RCHME, Undated, RCHME Inventory: Northamptonshire II (Central), AF0615738 (Archive). SNN112900.

Record last edited

Jun 11 2024 3:59PM