More information : A combined R.B. occupation and kiln site at Rossington Bridge; excavation in progress. (1)
A selection of finds from this site are exhibited at Doncaster
Museum with the following text:-
"This site which in Roman times occupied the peaty margin of a local river near a point where a road crossed the stream, has yielded material which in quantity and variety is exceptional in this district. Most of the material is household refuse - broken pottery and glass, animal bones, worn and damaged articles of leather, wood chippings and shaped objects, etc. Mixed with these are personal belongings and tools and working debris such as slag, cinders and coal, and pottery kiln rejects. Features of the site are the remains of a working floor with the base of a wicker fence preserved, pottery kilns and wooden piles. Human bones have been found and a coin of Hadrian minted 119-121 A.D.
Preliminary survey of the finds suggests an occupation in the mid/late 2nd c. but the full duration and extent is not yet known..."
The site, which is centred at SK 6324 9985, was visited in the
company of Mr Lidster.
It occupies the north bank of the River Torn, and lies on gently
shelving ground.
The present excavations reveal that the Roman occupation level varies in depth from 0.5 m. on the higher ground, to approximately 2m approaching the river.
The only physical remains uncovered, so far, are those of seven kilns; and an adjacent working floor and hearth. Five of these kilns, together with the hearth, are situated at SK 6316 9986 and were indicated by Mr Lidster, who said that they had been prolific in the pottery and domestic refuse yielded.
He also indicated the extent of the site so far as it has been
ascertained by trial trenches that have yielded pottery. Fresh finds are continually being made, and several sherds, mainly of coarse ware, were collected from holes and rabbit scrapes during the perambulation.
The position of the other two kilns, previously excavated, on the south bank of the river at SK 6337 9975 were supplied from
Mr Lidster's own record sheet. He assumes, that although the main settlement lies on the north bank, these are connected with it.
The group of kilns on the N side of the river has been surveyed
on the 25" A.M. (2-3)
No further work has taken place since the previous report. Another
group of suspected kilns (poss.7)has, however, been located in the area centred at SK 63259995 but awaits investigation. (4)
Rossington Bridge, SK 632998. Roman pottery kilns, excavated
by J R Lidster.
A wide range of wares was produced including "Parisian", roller-stamped, rustic and rough tile-gritted wares. Mortarium stamps of the pottery SARRVS date the working of the kilns to the period circa AD 150 to 180, and most of the occupation material from the site is of the second half of the 2nd century. It includes tools, metal implements, shoes and sandals. (5-6)
Description of kilns and wares excavated on this site. Dated to c.135-late 2nd century. (7)
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