Roman Kiln Discovered in Wiltshire

Archaeologists and volunteers have been diligently excavating a significant kiln site linked to the construction of Cirencester, Roman Britain's second-largest town. Over the past three years, the team, led by Neil Holbrook, CEO of Cotswold Archaeology, has been uncovering remnants of the kiln, which was instrumental in producing tiles for the town and other locations. The excavation was prompted by the discovery of a stamped tile in a nearby Roman villa, sparking curiosity about its origins. Anton Beechey, the site manager, noted that much of the kiln's structure remains underground, with the firing chambers likely situated above. The kiln operated for approximately 150 years until the advent of stone tiles, with the current findings primarily consisting of rejected tiles and waste materials. Holbrook likened the kiln's function to that of a "pizza oven," emphasizing its role in tile production during the Roman era. Peter Warry, a Roman tile expert, has been actively involved in the dig, highlighting the quality of the tiles, many of which were designed for hypocaust systems used in heated floors and baths. Warry identified six distinct stamps on the tiles, with many beginning with "TPF," which he interprets as "made in the public tile works," indicating a municipal operation in Cirencester. Local resident Penny, who has participated in the excavation for three years, expressed her surprise at the historical significance of the site, noting her long walks in the area without awareness of the kiln's existence. The ongoing excavation continues to reveal the rich history of Roman craftsmanship in the region.