Series: Archaeology of Lincoln

Substantial remains of three pottery kilns and evidence for contemporary iron smelting were examined in 1973; this is the only known production site for the shell tempered pottery which is predominant in the city and which is known as Lincoln Kiln-type (LKT). The 'kilns' were merely pits in which vessels and fuel were set together, with no signs of stoke-holes, flues, or permanent superstructures. Nonetheless the production capacity was high, the largest 'kiln' being at least 5.9m x 1.5m internally. The wheel-thrown pottery was well standardized, and the industry was fully developed by c 870/80, ceasing production by early 11th century. Au (abr)

Excavation revealed a sequence of 13 periods of timber buildings from late 9th century to late 12th/early 13th, showing a development from earthfast post structures, through fully timber-framed buildings on cills or footings, to stone or stone-founded structures. The layout suggests a planned Danish settlement within an extant urban area, and the buildings were originally domestic with nearby industrial activity and wide trade contacts. In 10th century the site was reorganized for workshops (glass, bronze etc); further reorganization came at Norman Conquest.

Excavations on the corner of Flaxengate and Grantham Street indicated a major replanning in late 12th century, with levelling of earlier timber structures for a stone building. The prosperity indicated in documents was reflected in further stone buildings of 13th and 14th centuries, and by late 14th/early 15th century additional timber-framed buildings produced fully developed street frontages. A 16th century decline ended in 18th century dereliction. The buildings were probably merchants' houses, with a little evidence for industrial activity, particularly before 1400. There is discussion of building materials and techniques and of the continuity of boundary lines. D G

A compilation of all the available evidence, including analysis of upstanding remains and summaries of published and unpublished excavations. The Neronian legionary fortress had a timber revetted rampart with interval towers to which a narrow stone wall was added (early 2nd century colonia). Later developments included the addition of stone interval towers (mid- to late 2nd) and successive heightening, thickening etc, including the addition of solid platforms. D G