The Origins and Development of the Verwood-Type Pottery Industry.

Abstract

Multiple researchers have attempted to develop an understanding of pottery production along the east Dorset and west Hampshire border; these studies have predominantly focused on manufacture of post-medieval date. Despite this, little has been achieved in determining any medieval origins, or the organisation of pottery production in the early post- medieval period. This study readdresses this issue; firstly, by establishing that pottery production was occurring here at a date prior to AD1600 and, secondly, by examining the nature of the industry at that time - while also exploring its subsequent development. This study employs a staged and integrated methodology of macroscopic, microscopic and chemical analyses via pXRF, supplemented by field examinations of postulated pre-1600 production sites, to clarify the origins of Dorset’s most prolific post-medieval coarseware industry - commonly known as the Verwood-type pottery industry. This study charts the development of the industry, both spatially and chronologically, at the site and product level; the results show that the Verwood-type pottery industry originates from a small-scale medieval industry producing coarsewares at several locations across east Dorset. These enterprises formed part of a wider ceramic tradition, exhibiting an extended history with shared manufacturing methods, vessel forms and styles - known collectively as Wessex Coarsewares. This modest industry continued until the 17-18th centuries, when growth is evidenced by rapid expansion, fuelled by a balance of specialisation and standardisation, and reinforced through a form of rural industrialisation, a robust raw material network and effective methods of distribution; all tempered by strong traditions and community ties. These conditions were pivotal driving forces, allowing Verwood-type pottery to become ubiquitous across central southern England during the mid to late post-medieval period. This study considerably enhances current understanding of the late medieval and post-medieval pottery produced on the east Dorset and west Hampshire border, identifying late medieval/early post-medieval pottery production in the Horton and East Worth areas using thin section petrography and chemical analysis via pXRF. This study shows future research in the area should seek to maximise archaeological site investigations in the Cranborne, Horton, Alderholt and Verwood parishes. Additionally, where identified, samples from these newly discovered early pottery production sites should be incorporated in further chemical analyses, followed by thin section petrography.