You never know what you might find at the bottom of your garden, or lurking in the hedgerow nearby.
This piece of pottery was found in Martham during 2011 - on the roadside bank of Ferrygate Lane halfway to the river. Being a member of the Local History Group the finder retrieved it with a great deal of care and, naturally, took it to Ann Meakin, our Chairman. It is obviously a handle, but of what and from when?
Ann, in no time at all, was off to the Norfolk Archaeological Service. She came back with the news that we have found the handle of a jug made at least 400 years ago, perhaps even 550 years. The experts can see so much more than we can and one could suggest that the jug possibly was glazed - making it quite a posh pot for its time. By comparing it with other finds they can estimate dates and even suggest how the whole jug may have looked. Here is their official record and sketches of existing similar jugs:
“Complete narrow strap handle with concave outer face and attached parts of neck and lower body of Late Medieval and Transitional ware pottery jug. Oxidised orange fabric with pale brown surfaces. A few specks of lead glaze with copper specks. Width of handle 30mm. Weight 131g. Mid 15th - late 16th cent.”
The Archaeological Service suggested that the handle came from pot 456 (picture to the right) - the ringed number third down on the left. What do you think?