Monument MPM1574 - Former post-medieval clay pipe kiln (PK4), Oyster Street

Post-medieval 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.

Post-medieval clay pipe kiln (PK4), dating to a late-17th to late-18th century phase of occupation, 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).

The remains of the kiln consisted of a small hollow structure 1m square x 50cm deep, with roughly built stone and red-brick walls and a stone slab base. It is possible that this structure may have been the stoke-hole, and that the kiln stood above and had not survived. Several small pits 50cm deep and ranging between 75cm and 1m in diameter, were recorded in the area around the kiln. The pits were filled with clean pipe clay, and one contained an earthenware costrel* of Surrey origin dating to the mid-17th century.

* a costrel was a barrel-shaped container for carrying drink. They had lugs with holes on each side of the mouth where a cord could be attached to enable it to be carried on a belt or round the neck.

[1, p71]

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