Archaeological excavations on construction site unearth Teesside's pottery past

A two hundred year old pottery has been discovered on a construction site in Hartlepool.

Work had already started on a 30-home development in the Coxhoe area when part of kiln was discovered last month.

An archaeological team were brought in and further excavation unearthed a larger site dating back to the mid-19th century.

The construction company knew they were building on the site of Coxhoe Potteries, but were surprised how much was uncovered.

Ellen Hagan, Technical Manager for Gus Robinson Developments, said: “We knew there was a planning condition on the site prior to starting the work that stated that any findings would have to be monitored that was of archaeological interest.

“But once we started clearing the site, we discovered a lot more than we were expecting.

“We haven’t experienced anything like this on any of our previous projects, so it’s all quite exciting. We’re seeing history being unearthed on a daily basis when we come to work.”

Historians say several brick and tile works operated in the area in the mid-1800s, producing pipes, pots and earthenware.

In recent years he site Coxhoe had been derelict wasteland and become a fly-tipping hotspot.

Chris Scott, who heads the regional team for Archaeological Research Services, said: “This is quite an interesting site, and from what we have discovered I would say it was a good sized business.

“We have unearthed at least two kilns, and various bits and pieces which would suggest there has been a continuation of industry on the site.

“We were brought in once it became apparent it was a site of archaeological interest.

“Once the buildings have been flattened the land has just been left, so I’d say this has been covered over for at least the last 50 years.”

The excavation is now into it's seventh week. Once it is complete the archaeologists will present their findings to local community groups and schools.