EWX620 - Carter's Tile Works, Hamworthy, Poole (PM14); excavation 1974

Five trial trenches about 2.4 m long and 1.5 m wide were dug in February 1974 in an area at the north west part of Carter's Tile Works. Two trenches revealed modern reclamation deposits and others revealed what may have been part of the Roman shoreline. In summer 1974 a trench 13 m by 10 m was excavated. This revealed a series of layers containing Roman material and three inhumation graves of possible 4th century date. The pottery assemblage contained a large proportion of 1st century AD oxidised Black Burnished ware vessels, which may indicate a pottery kiln in the vicinity, or perhaps, oxidised vessels were used in salt production. Salt production at this period was also suggested by the presence of briquetage from 'Hobarrow pans'. There is also some artefact evidence for 3rd century occupation in the area with quantities of 3rd century pottery including many large jars (used in salt production?) and large quantities of briquetage from 'Fitzworth troughs'. (1) (2)