Medieval Pottery Kiln discovered in Rye

Archaeologists from Chris Butler Archaeological Services Ltd have discovered a medieval tile kiln 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.