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A Medieval Tile Kiln from Worcester |
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An extremely well preserved medieval tile kiln was found in 2002 just beneath the floor of the former Kay’s call centre at 9-10 The Tything in Worcester. It was found in a trench excavated inside the standing building in advance of the planned redevelopment.
Most of the lower part of the kiln survived in excellent condition.The structure consisted of a tile walled box two and a half metres square with two arched openings in one wall and smaller arched walls inside. Floor tiles, roof tiles and bricks would have been stacked inside and fired by hot air drawn through the kiln from an external fire. |
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The kiln was used and repaired over a long period of time; and its last firing was dated by it archaeo-magnetic signature to c. 1450 - 1470. This matches the documentary evidence, with local ordinances requiring the people of Worcester to use tile rather than thatch for their roofs (to reduce the fire hazard). The kiln seems to have been one part of a large industrial complex covering the frontage of the former Kay’s building. Two other trenches within the building showed further evidence of tile production and indicated that domestic occupation did not begin on this plot of land before the 18th century . |
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| The kiln was making roof tile. Both flat and ridge tiles were found. The ridge tiles had a thin green glaze along the apex. | A number of floor tiles were also found, although it is not clear if these were made on site. |
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| The discovery of distorted and over-fired tile (wasters) shows that not all firings were successful. | The association of late medieval pottery with the kiln helped the initial dating of the structure. |
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Before firing, a cat ran over one of the tiles and left the impression of its paw! |
Further study of the kiln and its products will vastly improve our existing knowledge of the medieval tile industry in Worcester, while evidence from the site as a whole will enhance current understanding of the development and character of the northern suburbs of Worcester. The presence of the tilery suggest that the land-use in the suburb was very mixed, with polluing industries existing side by side with houses, taverns ... and even brothels!!!
Last modification: 12:06:35, 14th October, 2005 by Web Team
Review date: 14th December, 2005
