Hexham in Northumberland, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Roman Pottery Kiln

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 20, 2018

1. Roman Pottery Kiln Marker

Inscription. Vindolanda Charitable Trust
Roman Pottery Kiln This fully functional replica of a Roman up-draft pottery kiln, is based on information gained from the excavation of such kilns at archaeological sites across the North of England. The body of the kiln itself is constructed entirely from a mixture of materials found on site: clay, earth and plant matter such as straw. The internal floor and central support also known as Kiln Furniture, are made from specially selected clay which will survive repeated exposure to high temperatures.

While the kiln is cold, dry raw pots are packed into the Ware Chamber, the top of the kiln is closed off with a temporary dome of clay and straw, leaving small holes as exit flues. A small fire is then lit in the Fire Box allowing hot gasses and flames to pass through into the combustion chamber, then up through the ware chamber. Starting slowly, and steadily building up the fire, the the pots are brought up to a temperature of between 800 and 1000 degrees Centigrade.

This type of kiln would have been used by potters working in this region, to manufacture coarse wares such as Black Burnished Ware, Gray Ware cooking pots, indented bakers, plates, bowls, flagons and the like. While fine wares such as Samian Ware, Terra Sigillata and the Aphorae that carried produce around

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

the empire, would have been imported from production sites in Gaul and elsewhere in the Roman World.

( photo caption )
This replica was constructed by Graham Taylor of Potted History with the assistance of Vindolanda Volunteers.
A small fire to start the firing.
Temperature building later in the firing.
Pots packed, ready to close the temporary dome.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 54° 59.471′ N, 2° 21.46′ W. Marker is in Hexham, England, in Northumberland. Marker can be reached from road 68, 4 kilometers north of England Route A69, on the left when traveling north. Located at Vindolanda Roman fort and village archaeological site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hexham, England NE47 7JN, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chesterholm Museum (here, next to this marker); S.P.Q.R. (a few steps from this marker); The Milestone (a few steps from this marker); Vindolanda Inscriptions (within shouting distance of this marker); Dolichenum (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Workshops (about 150 meters away); Severan Circular Huts

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 20, 2018

2. Roman Pottery Kiln Marker

(about 240 meters away); The Severan fort (about 240 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hexham.

Also see . . . Vindolanda on Wikipedia. (Submitted on November 15, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 20, 2018

3. Roman Pottery Kiln Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 15, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.