Established in 1975, the group, originally called The Medieval Pottery Research Group, was founded with the aim of bringing together people who had an interest in pottery made, traded, and used in Europe between the end of the Roman period and the 16th century. The name was later changed to the Medieval and Later Pottery Research Group, in recognition of our widened remit, which had grown to include ceramic building material and 17th-19th-century pottery from both sides of the Atlantic and beyond.
As well as holding an annual conference, Regional Group meetings across the UK, and publishing the group’s journal (Medieval Ceramics) and newsletters, as a registered charity the MLPRG promotes education and training in post-Roman ceramic studies aimed at professional and nonprofessional archaeologists alike. We hold regular training events and work with organisations such as Historic England and the Chartered Institute of Field Archaeologists to develop resources aimed at promoting comprehensive and sustainable standards for working with pottery in all types of archaeological projects, from community groups to professional contractors and research institutions. By joining the MLPRG, not only will you receive all of the benefits of membership but you will be supporting us in our work of promoting the study of post-Roman pottery for generations to come.
MPRG is a Registered Charity (UK Registered Charity No.1018513)