Commercial Gallery
Rye Site
An archaeological watching brief was carried out during the demolition of existing footings and removal of concrete at Rye. Evidence of medieval occupation were observed in a series of pits containing pottery sherds, which were left in situ for future recording during the next phase.
A medieval tile kiln was discovered, together with a possible pottery kiln at the site of a former ambulance station in Playden, during archaeological monitoring prior to the re-development of the site.
The kiln consists of a double row of arched tiles and parallel voids that once housed the flue fires. Locally sourced clay was formed into pottery and tiles and fired within the barrel-vaulted domes before being distributed around the area.
Archaeological investigations in the 1930’s found evidence for four medieval pottery kilns in the vicinity, which were active between 1250 – 1350 AD, much of the pottery and tiles recovered during these excavations can be found at Rye Museum. These kilns seem to be of a similar date, and scientific dating, currently underway, will hopefully confirm this.
The site is still under investigation and details of further discoveries, artefact analysis and a comprehensive site report will be available in due course.