Medieval Ceramics

In early medieval England crafts like pottery were not generally very highly regarded, it was expected that most people would have some ability to make the functional pots that they would need for cooking and other household tasks. As a result pottery was plain and simple, usually made by the people who would use it.

By the 13^th and 14^th centuries techniques and technology had advanced and urban potters could mass produce a variety of pottery forms which would often have some decoration in the form of slip work (wet coloured clay used like paint), carved grooves and stamps. Pottery was identifiable by region as different techniques were common in different areas of the country. “West Sussex ware” is found in the area from Lewes to Southampton and encompasses Horsham and Guildford. “Horsham Ware” is a sub-type of West Sussex Ware and vessels of this type are identifiable by their shape, usually tall and cylindrical with an expanded lower section like a bulb. There is often white slip on the inside of the neck and they are typically decorated with carved horizontal bands and a dark green glaze. The best examples of these vessels and the find that earned this sup-type its name is the Horsham Hoard, discovered in West Street by Thomas Honywood in 1867.