Monument record 2088/4 - Audlem Medieval Pottery Kiln

Kiln discovered by contractors laying drains in the garden of Mr Northern, a butcher, in September 1948. Graham Webster carried out a rescue excavation in December that year. Site was 600ft north of north porch of church. Kiln consisted of oval, clay-lined hearth 5ft 10ins by 3ft 9ins with circular pits at either end. Kiln sides were highly fired clay walls. Drainage trench had removed flue details. Plans and sections given. Six cwts of sherds recovered, from which 12 nearly complete vessels reconstructed, including jugs, pots and kiln furniture. Dunning compares material with Ashton Kiln but finds difference in quality. Wider parallels date Audlem from mid C13-1300. Made range of vessel types used in rural communities (1). Audlem products found at Northwood Farm moat excavations (RN: 393/1) (4).

<1> The Society for Medieval Archaeology, 1957-Present, Medieval Archaeology, Webster G & Dunning G 1960 4/109-125 (Journal/Periodical). SCH2131.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, White J 1961 SJ64SE1 (Index). SCH2487.

<3> The Society for Medieval Archaeology, 1957-Present, Medieval Archaeology, Le Patourel J 1966 10/164 (Journal/Periodical). SCH2131.

<4> Various, Various, Oral communication to the HER, Wilson D 1986 (Oral Communication). SCH2330.