A well-preserved pottery kiln dating to the late medieval period has been unearthed at a school in Sutton, England, offering new insights into the region’s historical pottery industry. The 15th–16th century kiln, one of the most complete examples ever found in the area, suggests that pottery production in this part of Bedfordshire was far more significant than previously believed.
The excavation, conducted by Albion Archaeology, revealed a large-scale kiln with its lower structure—including the floor, flues, and stoke-hole—still largely intact. More than 300kg of pottery fragments were recovered, which will undergo further analysis. Some artefacts will be stored at the Higgins Museum in Bedford, while researchers are creating a 3D digital model of the kiln using photogrammetry technology to preserve it for future study.
“What we’ve seen here is a large-scale kiln that may have been used for decades,” said David Ingham, Project Manager at Albion Archaeology. “This discovery pushes our understanding of the pottery industry around Sutton, Potton and Everton in the late medieval period. It was more substantial than we previously realised and that helps build a richer picture of life in this area during that time.”
The kiln’s discovery has also provided an educational opportunity for the local community. Pupils at Sutton VA Primary School, as well as local historians and villagers, were given access to the site and engaged in discussions with archaeologists about the excavation process.
“Pupils and staff have been very excited to follow the archaeologists’ progress and discoveries,” said headteacher Mrs Lucy Chapman. “This has and will continue to provide a focus on local history studies. It has been wonderful to see the pupils engage in this—for some this has sparked a genuine interest in archaeology.”
Despite its historical significance, the kiln will be reburied as part of a planned redevelopment to create a new sports and play area for the school. However, archaeologists emphasise that its legacy will live on through documentation, research, and public engagement.
“It’s standard practice in archaeology that sites like this one are excavated as part of new developments, and the remains are fully documented before the site is redeveloped,” Mr. Ingham explained. “The real value lies in the fact that we’ve been able to excavate and analyse the kiln in depth to the point that we now have detailed information about its construction, the materials used, and how it fits into the broader history of pottery production in the area. In this case, the kiln’s legacy will live on through the comprehensive analysis we’ve carried out.”
The site’s significance extends beyond Sutton, offering valuable insights into pottery production in Tudor England. Central Bedfordshire Councillor Tracey Wye, Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, highlighted the importance of the discovery:
“The kiln is a remarkable discovery for Sutton and the primary school, and I am really glad the pupils had the chance to get a first-hand look 500 years into the past. The development of the site to create an all-weather sport and play area will make all the difference to the school, and as an added bonus it has revealed this treasure lying beneath the soil.”
Ongoing analysis of the pottery, charcoal, and soil samples is expected to provide further information on the kiln’s use and significance.
“Archaeology is not just about preserving the past—it’s about sharing that history with the public,” Mr. Ingham added. “We aim to make these discoveries accessible to the local community and future generations, so they can see how history shaped where we live today.”
Top Image: Photo courtesy Central Bedfordshire Council
A well-preserved pottery kiln dating to the late medieval period has been unearthed at a school in Sutton, England, offering new insights into the region’s historical pottery industry. The 15th–16th century kiln, one of the most complete examples ever found in the area, suggests that pottery production in this part of Bedfordshire was far more significant than previously believed.
The excavation, conducted by Albion Archaeology, revealed a large-scale kiln with its lower structure—including the floor, flues, and stoke-hole—still largely intact. More than 300kg of pottery fragments were recovered, which will undergo further analysis. Some artefacts will be stored at the Higgins Museum in Bedford, while researchers are creating a 3D digital model of the kiln using photogrammetry technology to preserve it for future study.
“What we’ve seen here is a large-scale kiln that may have been used for decades,” said David Ingham, Project Manager at Albion Archaeology. “This discovery pushes our understanding of the pottery industry around Sutton, Potton and Everton in the late medieval period. It was more substantial than we previously realised and that helps build a richer picture of life in this area during that time.”
The kiln’s discovery has also provided an educational opportunity for the local community. Pupils at Sutton VA Primary School, as well as local historians and villagers, were given access to the site and engaged in discussions with archaeologists about the excavation process.
“Pupils and staff have been very excited to follow the archaeologists’ progress and discoveries,” said headteacher Mrs Lucy Chapman. “This has and will continue to provide a focus on local history studies. It has been wonderful to see the pupils engage in this—for some this has sparked a genuine interest in archaeology.”
Despite its historical significance, the kiln will be reburied as part of a planned redevelopment to create a new sports and play area for the school. However, archaeologists emphasise that its legacy will live on through documentation, research, and public engagement.
“It’s standard practice in archaeology that sites like this one are excavated as part of new developments, and the remains are fully documented before the site is redeveloped,” Mr. Ingham explained. “The real value lies in the fact that we’ve been able to excavate and analyse the kiln in depth to the point that we now have detailed information about its construction, the materials used, and how it fits into the broader history of pottery production in the area. In this case, the kiln’s legacy will live on through the comprehensive analysis we’ve carried out.”
The site’s significance extends beyond Sutton, offering valuable insights into pottery production in Tudor England. Central Bedfordshire Councillor Tracey Wye, Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, highlighted the importance of the discovery:
“The kiln is a remarkable discovery for Sutton and the primary school, and I am really glad the pupils had the chance to get a first-hand look 500 years into the past. The development of the site to create an all-weather sport and play area will make all the difference to the school, and as an added bonus it has revealed this treasure lying beneath the soil.”
Ongoing analysis of the pottery, charcoal, and soil samples is expected to provide further information on the kiln’s use and significance.
“Archaeology is not just about preserving the past—it’s about sharing that history with the public,” Mr. Ingham added. “We aim to make these discoveries accessible to the local community and future generations, so they can see how history shaped where we live today.”
Top Image: Photo courtesy Central Bedfordshire Council
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