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New Generation Thinkers: Clay and Collapse

Medieval historian Eleanor Barraclough heads to Highgate Woods in London, the site of ten former Roman kilns, which were operated from c40-150 CE.

Medieval historian Eleanor Barraclough heads to Highgate Woods in London, the site of ten former Roman kilns, which were operated from c40-150 CE.

Here she sees a replica kiln in action – as skilled potters create pots using historically accurate materials, tools and decorations - and hear what brought the Romans and pottery clay, to the Thames.

And she'll explore the biggest mystery in British pottery history: after the Roman's left, why did potters abandon their wheels, and return to simpler hand building techniques?

Producer: Becca Bryers

Release date:

14 minutes

On radio

Sun 2 Feb 2025 19:45

Broadcast

  • Sun 2 Feb 2025 19:45

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