Page 14 - Oundle Life January 2023

MEDIEVAL TILES
Oundle Museum
These unusual pieces of decorated Late Medieval ceramic tiles were recovered from
a pottery kiln in Upper Glapthorn in 1985. Subsequently, two more almost identical
kilns were excavated in the upper village, all producing a similar variety of products such as large bowls, bunghole cisterns, large jars and spouted pitchers, presumably for brewing and baking, plus a smaller number of crested ridge tiles and floor tiles. The tiles in the photograph were found in the Leacroft kiln only, no parallels have been found anywhere and we can only assume that they were a one off, or at least exceedingly rare.
The Glapthorn tiles were made of red earthenware, which is rather fragile when thin, and fired at around 900 – 1100 degrees Celsius, depending on the clay; beyond this range of temperature the object will either fall apart, or if too hot will sag down and melt. A white slip has been painted on the surface of the unfired tiles and the pattern has been inscribed through the slip. A lead glaze was then added giving the tiles a shiny appearance and a pale green tinge. Our tiles are underfired, so we know they fell apart during the firing. The angle of the hole in one piece shows it was intended to hang on a vertical surface. Although the tiles look rather primitive in execution, they would have been very attractive on a wall.
Dating of the kilns is supported by coin evidence and two entries in the Duke of Buckingham’s account book for 1483 for the Manor of Glapthorn record that the tenant of the manor, John Mores/Morris, has placed an order with Walter Brassbrygge for ‘six score
crestis (crested ridge tiles) for 12shillings.’ Another entry lists that Walter Brassbrygge, potter, paid 11s for two cottages, ‘which he says are in decay.’
The name Brassbrygge is perpetuated in Bracebridge Hill on the modern map. As
only one kiln produced tiles such as these, it
is nice to think we can safely assume that we know which kiln they came from, and that the occupant was Walter Brassbrygge, a local potter who liked to experiment and try something different.
You will be able to see the tiles and other fascinating examples of local pottery when the museum opens with our new exhibition in March next year.
Med. Ceramics 21 (1997). NRO Brudenell Docs.
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Gill Johnston
www.oundlemuseum.org.uk