Medieval rampart, kiln and remains of timber framed buildings, Turret House Farm, 77 High Road (EHER 13489)

Part of the Medieval town defences, a building and pottery kiln were excavated during excavations prior to redevelopment at 77 High Road. The town defence comprised an earthen rampart and a timber palisade which were dated to the 13th century. The building was timber framed and late 13th century in date, associated features included a hearth pit and cobbled floors. The kiln had been badly damaged by ploughing, surviving features comprised the base and part of the flue.

1974. Archaeological excavation. Rescue excavations were carried out prior to redevelopment at No.77 High Road. A 13th century earth rampart with timber palisade was recorded. Domestic occupation began in the late 13th century. Associated features consisted of timber framed buildings, a hearth pit, laid cobbled floors, a store sleeper wall and a brushwood wall. Ploughed evidence for a pottery kiln was found in the form of the kiln base and part of the flue. A medieval bank and ditch were found in association with the domestic occupation and medieval kilns. Kiln wasters were also found. The construction of the earthwork had been followed by a period of erosion of the broad earth rampart with a timber palisade. Three acres of land associated with timber framed buildings in use until the mid 14th century. Part of the kiln still survives. <1> <2> Excavation by MacLeod at 77, High Road (EHER 13489) to the south of the historic town in 1974 is said to have uncovered occupation dating to the 13th century, including a number of barn-like structures. A dump of pottery wasters and a possible kiln was also found on this site. <3> Approximately 20kg of pottery dating to the second half of the 14th-15th century was excavated in 1958 (see EEX62690) and 1974. Mainly fineware jugs, linked stylistically to the Mill Green industry. <4> Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import.