Post-Medieval Archaeol 5

A decline in carpentry standards in early 17th century is evident from a study of six buildings which contain evidence of confusion over the main structural framework and in the minor details. The increasing use of iron bolts and brackets is another feature of this decline. Au(adp)

A flat-bottomed barge (Blackfriars Wreck II) carrying a cargo of bricks was excavated where it had sunk on the bed of the Thames. Details of construction were recovered and associated finds (mainly clay pipes) suggested a date in the third quarter of 17th century, perhaps connected with intensive rebuilding after the Great Fire in 1666. Au. See also author's article in Mar Mirror, 58, 1972, 129-34.

TQ 307789. Rescue-excavation of two tin-glazed earthenware kilns and recovery of kiln waste from the vicinity suggested a date of 1680-1737 for production. A morphological classification provides a possible basis for a general classification of tin-glazed earthenware and three assemblages from the site are described with suggested dates. Au(abr)

Extracts from letters and notebooks of 1697-8 include two descriptions of pottery-making at Lambeth and Fulham. Appended are discussions of the economic significance of pottery- and pipe-making in the Whitehaven area and of the importance of the descriptions of the London potteries.

SE 312221. Although comparable with the Potovens material, the pottery from Silcoates kilns was more restricted in type-range. A date of late 15th/early 16th century is suggested for the Cistercian ware posset-pots, beakers and two- or three-handled cups illustrated, together with kiln props. No kiln structures were located, but the debris suggests coal-firing.

[SU 6204]. Long visible as a parch-mark, the structure has now been excavated to reveal massive foundations measuring 31 x 237ft. Buttresses gave strength to the foundations but were not carried up the superstructure, and one major doorway lies at the N end. A construction date in 16th century is proposed for the building. A very similar building formerly extant at Portsmouth seems to have been a second version to almost the same plan.