Results 6: Lower Nene Valley Ware

Roman Discoveries at Easthorpe, Bottesford

By Bob Sparham

Fig 18. Computer reconstructions of a Lower Nene Valley flask c.3-4th century found at Bottesford Bypass II and Fig 19. c.4th century Beaker, find 211, by Matthew Bradwell

Fabric Lower Nene Valley Greyware. GW4 LowerNeneValley Colour Coated C3

No of Shards 53,and 35

Percentage of Finds 11% and 7%
Distribution 17 shards associated with `Railway track' cropmark Chronology c.150-380 AD

Pottery factories working on a very large scale opened in the NeneValley around AD 150 centred on the town of Durobrivae , now Walter Newton, near Peterborough. Greyware 4 which was lighter in colour and thickness than other Greywares was the first product. A range of coarse-ware jars and bowls were produced of which 53 shards were found at Easthorpe.

However, in addition to coarse-ware, a range of colour - coated tablewares (which are now classified as C3) was also produced, probably by immigrant potters from the Lower Rhineland. This tableware was in a wide range of forms including jugs, flagons and bottles, imitation Samian forms and cups and beakers 10. 35 shards of C3 colour-coated ware were found at Easthorpe, 7% of the assemblage. This proportion is low in comparison to other sites, but it follows what may be described as the Easthorpe pattern of being nonetheless of high quality.