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Medieval Kiln Unearthed Under School Site
26 Apr
Summary
- Pottery kiln predates Henry VIII by over 100 years.
- Over 30,000 pottery and tile fragments were recovered.
- The find reshapes understanding of medieval pottery industry.
Archaeologists have uncovered a pottery kiln beneath Sutton Primary School that is now believed to be from the late medieval period, significantly predating Henry VIII's reign by over a century. This revised dating, from the late 14th to early 15th century, makes the find of "real national interest," according to local council officials.
The excavation, which occurred in late 2024 during groundwork for a new sports pitch, yielded over 30,000 fragments of pottery and tiles. Specialists suggest these were discarded items from when the kiln was abandoned.
The discovery is particularly important as it suggests the area of Central Bedfordshire played a more substantial role in the medieval pottery industry than previously understood. Experts noted the kiln was likely active in the decades following the Black Death.
Community events are planned for May 12th at Sutton Village Hall to share the latest research, and a six-month exhibition at The Higgins Bedford starting April 27th will showcase finds from medieval and Roman kiln sites.
