Monument record TQ 94 SE 12 - Site of medieval pottery kiln, Potters Corner

Summary

During the laying of foundations for a house a large quantity of pottery was encountered. During the subsequent excavations by Maidstone Museum staff more pottery was removed from the site. Dated to the 13th century this assemblage is mainly composed of waste material. There were no traces of a kiln found during the excavations buit a large quantity of ash and charcoal was encountered. This evidence is taken as clear proof that there was a medieval pottery kiln industry in this area. It is also suggested that the area, Potters corner may derive its name from this industry, although it may also be linked to the name of a local 17th family. The finds are now in Maidstone Museum. A number of Mesolithic flint flakes have also been found at this site on the surface of sand.

Location

Grid reference TQ 9925 4466 (point) FCE
Map sheet TQ94SE
County KENT
District ASHFORD, KENT
Civil Parish ASHFORD, ASHFORD, KENT

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Type and Period (1)

Full Description

[TQ 9926 4467] (1)

Probable 13th Cent. kiln site at Ashford - Preliminary report of excavation. In Feb. 1952 Messrs. J. Sinden & E. Crouch working for Messrs. Earl & Co. came across pottery whilst laying the foundations of a house. This was reported to Maidstone Museum and the site excavated 13th Feb. 1952 by Maidstone Museum staff. The site is on the N. side of the Maidstone-Ashford road on a building-plot belonging to Mrs. Gilman, situated between houses "Ardhui" and "Plumsted", approx. 150yds. from the "Hare & Hounds". The pottery, of 13th cent. occurs in sandy soil and many of the sherds are obviously wasters. No kiln structure was found but there was much charcoal on the site. (2)

Mesolithic flakes found on surface of sand. (3)

Finds in the Maidstone Museum. Mrs. Gilman's house, called 'Soltan' is centred at TQ 9925 4467. Nothing of the kiln structure is known to have been found in either this or the adjacent gardens all of which are quite mature. (4)

At Potters Corner, near Ashford, the quantity of waste pottery associated with ash and dark soil is positive proof of a medieval industry in the area; although no kilns have been located. The place name may be derived from this pottery industry or from local 17th century family.(5)


<1> Private 6", Maidstone Museum (L.R.A. Grove undated) (OS Card Reference). SKE48663.

<2> Arch. Cant. Vol. 65 (1952) pp. 183-187 (L.R.A. Grove & A. Warhurst) Pottery described and illustrate (OS Card Reference). SKE37097.

<3> A. Warhurst, Arch. Asst. Mainstone Museum 17.3.54 (OS Card Reference). SKE32923.

<4> F1 CFW 31-DEC-63 (OS Card Reference). SKE42842.

<5> CBA RR 48 1982 Arch in Kent to AD 1550 87b, 89a, 93a (A D F Streeten) (OS Card Reference). SKE38747.

<6> Field report for monument TQ 94 SE 12 - December, 1963 (Bibliographic reference). SKE4784.

Sources/Archives (6)

  • <1> OS Card Reference: Private 6", Maidstone Museum (L.R.A. Grove undated).
  • <2> OS Card Reference: Arch. Cant. Vol. 65 (1952) pp. 183-187 (L.R.A. Grove & A. Warhurst) Pottery described and illustrate.
  • <3>XY OS Card Reference: A. Warhurst, Arch. Asst. Mainstone Museum 17.3.54. [Mapped feature: #33889 kiln, ]
  • <4> OS Card Reference: F1 CFW 31-DEC-63.
  • <5> OS Card Reference: CBA RR 48 1982 Arch in Kent to AD 1550 87b, 89a, 93a (A D F Streeten).
  • <6> Bibliographic reference: Field report for monument TQ 94 SE 12 - December, 1963.

Finds (3)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Intrusive Event: POTTERS CORNER (Ref: EI 15078) (EKE4036)

Record last edited

Oct 11 2021 4:25PM