Late 17th-18th century brick and tile kilns, Runsell Green (EHER 5736)

Two brick and tile updraught kilns identified in a drainage trench at Runsell Green in 1964 and excavated in advance of building construction in 1974. Both kilns were brick built and the interior lining had been replaced several times. Only the stoke pit to Kiln 2 had been excavated and was found to comprise a shallow hollow. Kiln 1, a brick kiln, measured 4 metres by 5.5 metres and had walls between 0.45 metres and 0.80 metres thick. Kiln 2, a tile kiln, was 2.9 metres wide and survived to a length of 1.8 metres, the rest had been truncated by kiln 1. Both kilns were in production during the second half of the 17th century-early 18th century. The finds are held in Chelmsford and Essex Museum. Field investigations in 1987 found the site covered by modern housing.

Two successive late 17th-18th century brick and tile kilns excavated in advance of housing development. The later one was 4m x 5.5m and had two flues aligned with the longest axis. Part of the springing course for the arches over the flues survived-indicating the oven floors were approximately at ground level. The earlier kiln was generally similar but survived only to a length of 1.8m. The rest had been destroyed by the construction of the later kiln. The kilns produced peg tiles and bricks. Residues from both kilns suggested use for lime burning. <1> <2> Site Assessment: Almost all destroyed by housing development. As kilns were between the sites of the houses they may survive. <3> NRHE data transfer: July 1987. Field survey. The area is now occupied by modern housing. The kilns have presumably been destroyed by the development. <4>