19th century brick and tile kiln, Kiln House (EHER 1915)

A Brick kiln excavated to assess whether worth preserving and scheduling. It proved to be "exceptionally well preserved". It was of the common Suffolk type with draught under the floor from 3 pointed-arched doors in the front. On the north, east and south sides a bank of earth supported the kiln. When the bank was excavated another earlier kiln was found of similar size and alignment.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. 1984. Excavation. The brick kiln was excavated in 1984 to assess whether worth preserving and scheduling. It proved to be "exceptionally well preserved". It was of the common Suffolk type with draught under the floor from three pointed-arched doors in the front. A wicket entrance in the side produced at least two Roman hypocaust tiles, presumably representing the builder's antiquarian interest. The kiln survived on the north and east sides to sixteen courses, the other two sides had been deliberately pushed into the kiln itself. A brick with the date 1884 was found in the debris, possibly dating the kiln. On the north, east and south sides a bank of earth supported the kiln. When the bank was excavated another earlier kiln was found of similar size and alignment. The later kiln seemed to make standard 19th century products. Some were found, stored nearby-standard sized bricks, triangular bricks (used in tomb construction) and land drains. Clay came from the fields around the kiln. Field names including 'Kiln' are listed in the area on the 1844 Tithe Map but no kiln is recorded at the site itself. Kelly's Directory for 1845 records William Finch, bricklayer. Other records place him at Kiln House. He, with his son, are recorded in Kelly and White as builders, bricklayers, brickmakers from 1845 until the start of World War II. <1> <2> <3> Artefacts with landowner. <4> Map ref: <5>