Day 10 of the NWAG Advent Calendar!

The NWAG Advent Calendar has officially entered double figures!

Stoneware jar from Forge Cottage, Astley (© North Worcestershire Archaeology Group)

Today’s archaeological treat is this chunky potsherd from our excavations at Forge Cottage, Astley. It was originally part of a 19th- or early 20th-century salt-glazed stoneware jar, possibly made in the Bristol area, and features a particularly hefty lug handle. Similar stoneware jars are known from other 19th-century archaeological sites in Worcestershire, and played a crucial role in the storage of liquids and dry or pickled foods. Exactly the kind of thing you’d need in a Victorian or Edwardian kitchen come Christmas time!

The NWAG elves are busy writing up the report for this site, which will contain more information on this jar and many other finds. We look forward to sharing it with you soon!