Medieval pottery kiln at Mill Green (EHER 765)

Medieval pottery kiln identified at Mill Green in 1968. Excavations located an area of cobbling, clay pits and large quantities of pottery, roof and floor tile. The pottery is in a fabric originally known as West Kent ware, now known as Mill Green ware and is sandy and slightly micaceous. Forms include jugs, cooking pots and bowls. The kiln was in production during the late 13th century, continuing into the 14th century. Field investigations in 1988 identified a pottery scatter but no evidence of a kiln.

Medieval kiln. <1> 1967. Geophysical survey and archaeological excavation. Excavated by E and J Sellers for Ingatestone and Fryerning Historical and Archaeological Society, after geophysical survey by Oxford University. The site is in a ploughed field North of Potter Row (15th century name). There is no field name evidence though potters held land here in 1257. There was no kiln in the area surveyed "but finds suggest a kiln incorporating large, curved flanged tiles and roof tile and clay walls". Excavations in 1968 by E and J Sellers revealed a cobbled floor, two clay pit areas and six cwt. of sherds including medieval and post-medieval pottery, and roof and floor tiles, suggesting a kiln of 14th century date. One group of jugs from a pit included a fragment of a jug paralleled at King John's Palace, Writtle, pre 1306. "It is clear that, in Essex, wares with painted slip decoration were being made in the second half of the 13th century". The assemblage comprised pots, mainly jugs and cooking pots and baluster jugs, bowls and pipkins were less frequent. A few other types were present. Eighteen potters' stamps were also found. The kilns also made roofing and floor tiles (plain and glazed), thin bricks. Other finds include Surrey ware, hones, and pieces of Mayen Lava millstone. <2> <3> <4> <5> An account of earlier work can be found in this source. <6> See also <7>. NRHE data transfer: The finds are in Colchester Museum, Accession No. 12 1968. The pottery is in a fabric originally known as West Kent ware, now known as Mill Green ware and is sandy and slightly micaceous. <4> May 1976. Field survey. The site of the excavation was indicated by Mrs E Sellers at TL 64250208. No structural evidence of a kiln remains on the surface which is under cultivation. <8> August 1988. Field survey. Grid reference centres a spread of finds c.10m in extent, indicated above. No indication of kiln(s) location although the field had recently been ploughed. <9> See also <10> <11>