Potterswood, Verwood

Verwood, Dorset, is well known for its post-medieval pottery industry, the last local pottery having closed down as late as 1952. Work at Potterswood provided a glimpse of some of the associated processes which were involved in the pottery and tile industry. In total, 71 extractive pits and associated boundary ditches were uncovered during excavations by AC archaeology. These pits were clustered in two well-defined groups, interpreted as representing two phases of sand extraction. A few isolated pits may reflect prospecting activity and clay extraction. The finds included pottery and pottery production waste derived from the local Verwood-Type industry. The site is likely to have been exploited to provide materials local pottery and brick production, for which there is evidence in the site’s immediate environs. This ceased by the 19th century, with subsequent boundary ditches reflecting agricultural enclosure associated with the expanding town.