Monument MPM1561 - Former 16th century oven, Oyster Street

The remains of a large 16th century keyhole-shaped oven (F8) were revealed during excavations in Oyster Street in 1968-71. The main body of the oven was constructed from irregular limestone lumps bonded with orange clay set into a shallow pit. The base of the inner chamber had been constructed using limestone slabs which were covered by a layer of fire-hardened brown clay. In the centre of the chamber and along the stoke-hole approach was a deposit of wood and coal ash.

The oven measured 4m long x 2m wide, surviving to a height of 30cm. It was open at the north end. The oven was probably used for domestic purposes. It was situated to the east of two contemporary 16th century buildings (see MPM1558 and MPM1559).

[1, p55-56]

<1> Fox, R & Barton, K, 1986, Excavations at Oyster Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, 1968-71 (Bibliographic reference). SPM34.