News From the Finds Room 01

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A number of different types of finds have been found so far, these include many tobacco pipe fragments, some with stamped initials on their spurs. One of the pipes with GP on the spur can be traced to George Pavel who produced pipes between 1680 and 1720 at Broseley in Shropshire. Another example stamped with IL could refer to a number of producers; John Lee 1680-1710, John Legg 1670-1790 and John Lif c.1700, also of Broseley. These would fit with the general period of the pipes. The bowls of tobacco pipes gradually become larger over time as the price of tobacco in relative terms declines. A bone burnishing tool was also found, most probably an implement used in the leather working or glove making industries. This has an incised letter A carved into the back which may well refer to the owner.

In addition a number of fragments of a Westerwald drinking vessel have been found – these include some from a vessel found in the first days of the excavation, which is now on display at the Commandery. Taken together we can now reconstruct the complete profile of the pot. These tankards were imported from Western Germany from the early 17th – the late 18th centuries. In addition we have found a bone comb of post-medieval date. This is very finely made and may possibly be a nit comb. Also a number of buttons have been found, mostly of metal but including a nice example made of bone. No coins have been yet been found, but a nice example of a Nuremberg token was recovered, most probably of 16th century date. This has what appears to be a Tudor rose on one side. Tokens such as this were used as counters in medieval and early post-medieval accounting.

Most of the pottery found so far has been of 17th – 18th century date. It includes many sherds of creamware, a twice-fired lead glazed earthenware. This becomes common in the 1760s-1780s before declining by the 1820s. In addition, fragments of white salt glazed stoneware have been found, this pottery dates from the 1720s becoming common between 1730-1770 thereafter rapidly declining. Finally, the most common pottery type recovered has been post-medieval red sandy ware, this fabric has a wide variety of forms from the 17th-early 19th centuries, primarily pancheons (large shallow bowls used for cheese making or anything where liquids needed to stand or settle) and a variety of drinking vessels and storage jars. A large amount of brick and tile has been found mostly of modern or medieval-post-medieval date. A number of fragments of glazed medieval tiles have also been found and comprise the largest element of the assemblage.

 Become a volunteer on the dig!

There are also a few spaces left for volunteers in the last two weeks of the excavation (19th to 24th and 26th to 31st July). Please ask the Project Leader for details on how to apply, or leave contact details at the front desk.

Call Mo or Carol on (01905) 855 455 between 9:30am and 12:30pm (weekdays only).

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