NHER 10657 (Monument record) - Possible Roman tile kiln and Early Saxon cemetery on Pewter Hill
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Summary
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Location
| Map sheet | TM39SE |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | KIRBY CANE, SOUTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK |
Map
Full Description
'Many years ago' in 1855 and 'since that time'.
'On Pewter Hill' (name now marked on (S1) at 373 933 centred, but extending over large area).
'Some workmen who many years ago were digging a ditch in a field called Pewter Hill came upon a confused mass of human bones, among which were three or four spearheads, a jewelled buckle and two swords.'
(S2) says the whole of these objects were unfortunately dispersed but they are believed to have been Roman. Since that time a kind of oven or kiln of Roman tiles has been found on the same hill but it was broken up before I could see it. In some excavations which I made upon the same spot, I turned up a considerable number of the bones and teeth of animals, and several fragments of blue, brown and black Roman pottery. It goes on to ask if Pewter Hill could be corruption of Potters Hill from the sherds.
See (S2).
(S3) gives garbled condensed version of above, but also implies objects found in a brickfield - note that 'kiln' is said to have been found on same hill, not same spot, as burial.
(S4) suggests first finds as Early Saxon burial. R.R. Clarke (NCM) notes that 'RAS' has suggested Saxon date.
Note: see NHER 12380, fieldwalking of central part of hill, no Roman or Early Saxon finds.
E. Rose (NAU), 18 August 1986.
But Roman finds from NHER 12380 in 1987.
And Early Saxon ?inhumation evidence from NHER 12380 context 5 in 1988.
E. Rose (NAU), 28 October 1988.
Associated Sources (12)
- --- SNF1737 Article in Serial: 1930. [unknown]. Y Cymmroder. p 318.
- --- SNF1033 Article in Serial: Fox, G. E. 1889. Roman Norfolk. The Archaeological Journal. Vol XLVI pp 331-367. p 362.
- --- SNF53133 Article in Serial: Penn, K. and Ashley, S. 2003. Two Early Saxon Cemeteries in South Norfolk. Norfolk Archaeology. Vol XLIV Pt II pp 304-315.
- --- SNF1141 Monograph: 1901. The Victoria History of Norfolk. The Victoria History of the Counties of England. Vol 1. p 339.
- --- SNF8060 Publication: Rye, W. 1916. Roman Camps and Remains in Norfolk. p 46.
- --- SNF87261 Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Early Saxon. Kirby Cane.
- --- SNF87260 Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Roman. Kirby Cane.
- --- SNF57722 Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
- <S1> SNF48659 Map: Ordnance Survey, First Edition, 6 Inch. 1879-1886. Ordnance Survey 1st Edition 6 inch map..
- <S2> SNF868 Article in Serial: Chester, G. J.. 1855. A Brief Sketch of the Antiquities of the Valleys of the Waveney and Yare. Norfolk Archaeology. Vol IV pp 310-316. p 313.
- <S3> SNF923 Article in Serial: King, S. W. 1864. Notes on a Roman Kiln and Urns, Found at Hedenham, near Bungay. Norfolk Archaeology. Vol VI pp 149-160. pp 151-152.
- <S4> SNF1996 Article in Serial: Clarke, R. R. 1940. Norfolk in the Dark Ages, 400-800 A.D., Part II. Norfolk Archaeology. Vol XXVII Pt II pp 215-249. pp 224-225.
Site and Feature Types and Periods (5)
Object Types (14)
- ANIMAL REMAINS (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- BUCKLE (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- HUMAN REMAINS (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- POT (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- SPEAR (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- SWORD (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- TILE (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- ANIMAL REMAINS (Early Saxon - 411 AD to 650 AD)
- BUCKLE (Early Saxon - 411 AD to 650 AD)
- HUMAN REMAINS (Early Saxon - 411 AD to 650 AD)
- POT (Early Saxon - 411 AD to 650 AD)
- SPEAR (Early Saxon - 411 AD to 650 AD)
- SWORD (Early Saxon - 411 AD to 650 AD)
- TILE (Early Saxon - 411 AD to 650 AD)
Related NHER Records (2)
Find out more...(2)
Record last edited
Feb 10 2026 8:05AM