Bull Ring, Pottery Kiln, Hippodrome

May 1937

Some months ago I recorded finding what I thought to be a pottery kiln in the Bull Ring, Butcher Row. Early in April this was excavated, and one more jug was found, and a number of thick slates, large quantities of clay, charcoal, small pieces of coal, and a white sub-stance similar to lime, or fuller's earth. This kiln is thought to be of the early thirteenth century.

I also recorded the finding of the west archway pillars in the cellars of the "Spotted Dog," and thought that a roadway level with the cellar floor would run to the market place opposite and to the Meal Hall. During this week this road has been discovered at a depth of three feet, and small pieces of 14th century vessels were found. In one of the cellars two tiles of 14th to 15th century were found in the floors. Very little more excavations in street making are to be done, but at a later date I hope to make some discoveries on the site of the west end of the Cathedral, and possibly I may find tiles and glass from the Church. There will also be excavations at the west side of Trinity Street, which will reveal history (unless pile-driving is introduced).

ANOTHER POTTERY KILN

Since writing the above, another kiln has been discovered. This kiln was found under the new Trinity Street close by the edge of the causeway, and opposite the fourth upright pillar of Messrs. Owen & Owen's building from Broadgate end. I noticed when a gully trench was being dug out, that similar material was being revealed to that found in the other kiln, and I made investigations which revealed the kiln, which was of a much larger extent than the other, and had an entrance, 21/2-feet wide, and 6-feet in length, which then widened out similar to a lime kiln. Most of the arch had been removed when cellars had been made. I spent several hours with a Corporation helper, and some tons of refuse were removed, but only a few fragments of 13th to 14th century pottery was found, along with charcoal, coal, and several large pieces of what resembled lime, which I am having examined by pottery workers. As it got deeper and wider, and iron bars did not reach its end, and no pottery was being found, we gave up excavating, and being filled in again its contents will be hidden, to be run over by the general traffic of our busy city.

HIPPODROME SITE

During the sewer excavations in the old lane called St. Agnes Lane quite a lot of 14th century pottery and foot-wear has come to light; also the edge of the original lake was found where the large brick walls are being built. At a depth of 8-feet beneath St. Agnes Lane just on the edge of the lake, the base of a round tower built on wood piles was found. I think this tower was probably an inner watch tower for the City Walls, giving a view to Cook Street and Priory Gates. It may also have been a storehouse for weapons of defence, and although no implements of war were found, one plain dagger-sheath lay close by. As this tower was on the Prior's ground, it may have been manned by his men.

Next month, the site on which The Rex is built.