More information : [SU 62225977] Tilery. (1)
"Lt.Col. KARSLAKE, F.S.A. ... reports that as a result of deep
ploughing this autumn in a field at LITTLE LONDON ... he noticed
that numerous fragments of Roman bricks and tiles had been brought
to the surface. Further examination showed that many of the
fragments were highly vitrified, clearly indicating over-fired
wasters from a brick kiln. He consequently made some trenches on the
site to ascertain what was below the level reached by the plough.
These trenches disclosed a quantity of Roman brick and tile
fragments covering a considerable area, the precise limits of which,
however, could not be determined. But it was possible to conclude
that in the area examined a brick clamp had been in use at a very
early date in the period of the Roman occuption of CALLEVA. A
deposit of broken bricks and all the usual forms of roofing and
box tiles covered the ground about 8ft 10 ins. [sic] below the
present surface. The great majority of fragments were clearly
broken-up wasters, the result of under-firing - many of the
fragments being soft and friable and light yellow in colour - and
of over-firing, shown by pieces distorted in shape and covered
with a vitreous glaze. Among the fragments was part of a tile of
which sufficient remained to preserve a round stamp in the centre
with the legend. NER. CL. CAE. AVG. GR. of much the same form
but not identical with the stamp with the same legend which was
discovered in 1903 in a deep pit in the baths at CALLEVA", thus
proving building activity under imperial direction in the reign of
NERO. "Adjoining the site where the wasters were found was an
extensive depression, about 1000 ft. long by 100 ft. broad and
4-5 ft. deep, from which brick earth was obtained showing
continued use over a considerable period, possibly throughout the
whole period of the existence of CALLEVA. This explains the meaning
of the raised bank - marked on the O.S map as 'Intrenchment' - which
can be traced from the South Gate up to a short distance from the
brickfields. It was clearly the road by which bricks were
delivered to the city - and this again is evidence of the extensive
use of these brickfields over a long period". (2)
Similar information. [Depth still given as 8'10"]. (3)
Reference to stamped tile [based on auth. (2)]. (4)
Tile kiln at LITTLE LONDON. (5)
[SU 62225975] The site of this kiln falls in a freshly sown field
and is indicated by a heavy scatter of Roman brick and tile wasters,
some of which were collected and deposited in the WILLIS MUSEUM,
BASINGSTOKE. (Acc. no. 1957.16). It is situated on an E.-W. ridge
and the sub-soil is indicated as Bracklesham Beds on the 1"
Geological Map. (6)
ROMAN TILE KILN [R] (site of) [T.I.] (7)
No change. Kiln sited to SU 6222359755. (8)
The inscribed tile described above (auth.2) has been identified with
one in the British Museum (Reg. No.1925.12.12) donated by
Lt/Col. Karslake. (9)
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