Monument MPM1572 - Former 17th century clay pipe kiln (PK2), Oyster Street

Late-17th century clay pipe kiln, revealed during excavations at Oyster Street in 1968-71. One of a group of three kilns found in the southwest of the site.

Clay pipe kiln (PK2), dating to the c. late-17th century revealed during excavations in Oyster Street in 1968-71. A total of four kilns were recorded during the excavations. This kiln belongs to a group of three found in the southwest of the site. A fourth kiln was located further to the north (MPM1571).

Single-flue updraught type kiln. Inner structure red brick bonded with yellow clay, outer large stones and pebbles bonded with yellow clay. The construction pit cut the footings of a stone wall which belonged to an early-17th century land reclamation scheme (see MPM1568). Only the lower part of the kiln structure and floor survived, partially intact. Two sagger* supports projected inwards from the kiln walls. The kiln was dated to c. 1690, using reject pipes from the last firing which bore the makers marks I.M. (John Moth) and W.S. (William Stretchley).

* a large clay container into which the pipes would have been placed inside the kiln to protect them from the flames during firing

[1, p70-71]

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