Monument record 2634/1/1 - Davenham Brick Kiln

<1> University of Manchester Archaeological Unit, 1996, Davenham Brick Kiln: An Archaeological Excavation of a post-medieval brick kiln., R2128 (Client Report). SCH4083.

Archaeological excavation undertaken in January 1996 on the site of a post medieval brick kiln, near to New Hall Farm, Davenham, in advance of construction of the Davenham By-pass. The site was first recognised during a watching brief during top-soil stripping in December 1995. It existed as a north-south alignment of four square stacks of bricks, an outer wall of decomposed brick and a vast amount of charcoal around the brick stacks. Further excavation of the topsoil was undertaken in this phase of work revealing the full extent of the brick kiln. A further five square stacks of bricks were discovered aligned north-south, along with the kiln's north and east outer walls. Five trenches were excavated to provide an understanding of the origin anad development of the site.

<2> Eyre-Morgan G, 1996, Excavation Report - Davenham Brick Kiln (Monograph). SCH1185.

Post-medieval brick clamp kiln found during watching brief on the Davenham By-pass in December 1995, approximately 100m west of New Hall Farm. Outer walls were located on the north, west and east sides of the kiln, as well as internal brick stacks, a rubble spread and areas of burning. West wall was orientated north-south and was 6.4m long by 0.55m wide by 0.09m deep. It was cut into natural clay subsoil. North wall was orientated east- west and was 5m in overall length and 0.4-0.5m wide. East wall was 6.4m long by 0. 4m wide by 0. 25m deep. All were composed of orangy red decomposed brick. A double row of brick stacks was observed within the building, four on the west and five on the east side. Bricks measured 2" by 9" by 2 1/4" - 2 1/ 2", a size consistent with a 17th century date, which was supported by the recovery of a 17th-century clay pipe bowl from the site. The only other feature was a modern field drain.