bglight.gif" onLoad="window.status='Bestwall Quarry Archaeology Project';return true"> National Archaeology Days 2003

National Archaeology Days were held on the 19th and 20th of July. Preparations for this event started several weeks beforehand. The site was open during the two days when exciting archaeology, together with kiln firings and other activities, brought over seven hundred and fifty visitors to the site. Click on the small images to enlarge them...

Pottery and Kiln Making

Bill Crumbleholm demonstrates potting techniques   Two Bournemouth University students, Claire and Lene, prepare Roman style pots for firing   John Winterbottom and Bill Crumbleholm reinstate one of the original Roman kilns

Kiln Firing

Initial drying of the kiln structure - a small fire was kept going for two days   Jake Keen packs the leather-hard pots into the kiln   A steady heat has to be maintained throughout the day

After a final blast, the dome will be sealed   The kiln is opened. The firing took over 12 hours with a further 24 hours cooling time.   Success! 90% of the load was intact and fired black, but not as black as the Roman potters managed.

The Open Days

Bill and Lilian discuss the niceties of firing Roman pots.   David Freeman - Iron Age chieftain!   Diggers - at the sharp end - excavating features.   Jeremy Hooker gets weaving as he demonstrates how to use a loom.

John and Sonia - the Roman Pot Show!   Jake Keen slaving over a hot kiln.   Marking finds - Marguerite Elliott working with pen and ink.   Pat Bithel, expert pot washer, very handy with a toothbrush.