Ceramic Production in Dorset and the Surrounding Region

This paper describes the results of analyses by atomic absorption spectrophotometry of sandy and coarse utilitarian wares from a number of sites in Dorset and the surrounding area. Together with documentary and topographical evidence, these suggest that the sandy wares were probably produced at a number of small sites in west Dorset and south Somerset, although the only known kiln is at Hermitage. The coarse wares were apparently produced on a larger scale at fewer centres in east Dorset and south Wiltshire, notably at Laverstock and in the area of Poole.