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FABRIC SAMPLES
Photos by Carleton Van Selman
The following photos include some of the main pottery types found in Suffolk, but there are others which are listed in full in the type series database. The Early Anglo-Saxon period is only represented by two fabrics, for example, but other generic groups are used.
Many of the medieval fabrics represent 'new' types which were identified during the course of the Suffolk pot project, although it had been recognised that there were differences between coarsewares in use in different parts of the county previously. Most sherds previously categorised as Hollesley-type ware are coarser than the examples from the kiln site, and these should now be referred to as MESCW or WVSW/WVCWM as appropriate.
The full list of fabric codes, with basic descriptions and date ranges, is available here.
ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT AND MAY NOT BE USED ELSEWHERE, IN ANY FORMAT, WITHOUT PERMISSION.
ESFS - Early Anglo-Saxon Fine Sandy
Generic code for fine sandy EAS wares with few other inclusions.
ESO1 - Early Anglo-Saxon Grass-tempered
Generic fabric code for grass-tempered EAS wares with little or no sand.
SIPS - 'Sandy' Ipswich Ware (Group 1)
Frequent fairly well-sorted angular to sub-angular quartz sand, generally less than 0.3mm but with some larger grains, including some polycrystalline. Also flecks of mica, some small pieces of chert in the same size range as sand, a little quartzite, a few small grains of felspar, iron oxides and occasional fragments of ironstone and fine-grained sandstone. Some sherds contain a few well-rounded light brownish pellets of glauconite. Feel slightly rough. (After Blinkhorn 2012)
GIPS - 'Gritty' Ipswich Ware (Group 2)
A groundmass of moderate to frequent small angular to sub-angular quartz grains, the majority below 0.10mm in size. Some sherds have a sparse to dense scatter of fairly well rounded larger grains up to c.2.5mm across, some of them cracked and polycrystalline in appearance. Others do not have this large added quartz. Also moderate flecks of mica, small pieces of chert, some quartzite, a little ironstone, iron oxides and occasional small grains of felspar. Some sherds contain a few well-rounded light brownish pellets of glauconite. Some rough and 'pimply', some smoother than Group 1. (After Blinkhorn 2012)
THETI - Ipswich Thetford-type Ware
Very fine sandy (white and clear quartz grains) greyware, sparse to moderate mica.
TS description (Patrick Quinn):
Moderately well-packed, generally angular silt-sized inclusions of quartz, iron-stained chert and muscovite mica with less common microcline, plagioclase and amphibole. Silt sized-ferruginous inclusions. Less common rounded sand-sized quartz and polycrystalline quartz also present. Rare rounded natural clay and silty textural features. Non-vitrified, reduction fired
non-calcareous clay matrix. Many meso-elongate voids. Less sandy, more silty than THET.
Example from Ipswich kiln site.
TS description (Patrick Quinn):
Moderately well-packed, generally angular silt-sized inclusions of quartz, iron-stained chert and muscovite mica with less common microcline, plagioclase and amphibole. Silt sized-ferruginous inclusions. Less common rounded sand-sized quartz and polycrystalline quartz also present. Rare rounded natural clay and silty textural features. Non-vitrified, reduction fired
non-calcareous clay matrix. Many meso-elongate voids. Less sandy, more silty than THET.
Example from Ipswich kiln site.
THETS - Thetford-type Ware Sudbury
Very fine sandy micaceous greyware. Quartz grains mainly clear. Burnt-out organics visible in section.
TS description (Patrick Quinn):
Moderately well-packed, angular to sub-rounded silt-sized quartz and iron-stained chert, muscovite mica and rare plagioclase and opaques. Rare rounded sand-sized quartz and polycrystalline quartz. Vitrified, reduction fired non-calcareous clay matrix. Vesicle-shaped voids perhaps from over-firing, plus rare vughs. Less sandy, more silty than Samples 1 an 2. Less well packed than THETI sample.
Example from production waste site in Sudbury.
TS description (Patrick Quinn):
Moderately well-packed, angular to sub-rounded silt-sized quartz and iron-stained chert, muscovite mica and rare plagioclase and opaques. Rare rounded sand-sized quartz and polycrystalline quartz. Vitrified, reduction fired non-calcareous clay matrix. Vesicle-shaped voids perhaps from over-firing, plus rare vughs. Less sandy, more silty than Samples 1 an 2. Less well packed than THETI sample.
Example from production waste site in Sudbury.
THETL - Thetford-type Ware (local fabrics)
Miscellaneous non-standard fabrics - to be described in detail when reporting.
TS samples (Patrick Quinn):
Sample 2 (Lowestoft) is coarser, containing occasional very coarse sand-sized inclusions of quartz and polycrystalline quartz, in addition to the finer sand inclusions of these and chert. It features a large iron-rich nodule containing quartz and polycrystalline quartz clasts, plus a soil pisolith. Two charred plant fragments may also be naturally occurring. Non-calcareous, vitrified, weakly oxidised clay matrix. Elongate meso- and macro-drying voids.
Example from Lowestoft.
TS samples (Patrick Quinn):
Sample 2 (Lowestoft) is coarser, containing occasional very coarse sand-sized inclusions of quartz and polycrystalline quartz, in addition to the finer sand inclusions of these and chert. It features a large iron-rich nodule containing quartz and polycrystalline quartz clasts, plus a soil pisolith. Two charred plant fragments may also be naturally occurring. Non-calcareous, vitrified, weakly oxidised clay matrix. Elongate meso- and macro-drying voids.
Example from Lowestoft.
THETL - Thetford-type Ware (local fabrics)
Miscellaneous non-standard fabrics - to be described in detail when reporting.
TS samples (Patrick Quinn):
Sample 1 (Carlton Colville) is characterised by generally rounded sand dominated by quartz with less common polycrystalline quartz, chert, rare siltstone and possible pottery fragment. Abundant, more angular silt-sized fine fraction dominated by quartz with less common ferruginous inclusions and muscovite mica. Non-calcareous, vitrified, reduction-fired clay matrix. Elongate mesodrying voids.
Example is from Carlton Colville.
TS samples (Patrick Quinn):
Sample 1 (Carlton Colville) is characterised by generally rounded sand dominated by quartz with less common polycrystalline quartz, chert, rare siltstone and possible pottery fragment. Abundant, more angular silt-sized fine fraction dominated by quartz with less common ferruginous inclusions and muscovite mica. Non-calcareous, vitrified, reduction-fired clay matrix. Elongate mesodrying voids.
Example is from Carlton Colville.
THETL - Thetford-type Ware (local types)
Miscellaneous non-standard fabrics - to be described in detail when reporting. This example from Halesworth was originally reported as a THET-EMW transitional type.
NEOT - St Neots-type Ware
See Spoerry (2016).
EMW - Early Medieval Ware
Fine/medium sandy thin-walled handmade wares, as typical in Norfolk (Jennings 1981) and north Suffolk. Coarser quartz present in some, but generally not visible on surface. Occasional calcareous, ferrous, organic and flint/chert inclusions may also be present.
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Medium and coarse well-rounded sand-sized inclusions of quartz, and less common polycrystalline quartz and iron-stained or clear chert, plus rare amphibole. Less common silt-sized inclusions, dominated by angular quartz and muscovite mica, with rare amphibole and plagioclase. Rare sand and silt-sized ferruginous inclusions. The sand-sized inclusions may be temper. Non-vitrified and moderately oxidised non-calcareous clay matrix. Frequent macro and meso-elongate drying voids parallel to sherd margins.
Example from Wortham.
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Medium and coarse well-rounded sand-sized inclusions of quartz, and less common polycrystalline quartz and iron-stained or clear chert, plus rare amphibole. Less common silt-sized inclusions, dominated by angular quartz and muscovite mica, with rare amphibole and plagioclase. Rare sand and silt-sized ferruginous inclusions. The sand-sized inclusions may be temper. Non-vitrified and moderately oxidised non-calcareous clay matrix. Frequent macro and meso-elongate drying voids parallel to sherd margins.
Example from Wortham.
EMWM - Early Medieval Ware Micaceous
Fine sandy micaceous thin-walled early medieval wares, other than Essex types (see EMEMS).
Example from Brettenham.
Example from Brettenham.
YAR - Yarmouth-type Ware
Handmade body with wheelmade rim, adundant fine to medium sand, raised and clearly visible in the surface, with variable quantities of fine to medium shell. Hard. Variable colours but usually oxidised purple-red/brown surfaces and grey core. (Mellor 1976 Fabric 3/1; Jennings 1981).
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Rounded medium and coarse sand-sized inclusions of quartz, shell and rare polycrystalline quartz, iron-stained chert and ferruginous inclusions. The shell exists mainly as elongate rounded micritic calcite inclusions which can exhibit lamination. It is likely to be of fossil origin. The sand may be temper, whereas the sparse, more angular silt-sized inclusions of quartz, chert, muscovite mica and opaque iron were intrinsic. Non-vitrified non-calcareous clay matrix that is oxidised on one edge. Common meso-elongate voids and ring voids around the calcareous inclusions. The shell material is related to that in Sample 9 (EMWSS).
Example from Stoke Quay, Ipswich.
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Rounded medium and coarse sand-sized inclusions of quartz, shell and rare polycrystalline quartz, iron-stained chert and ferruginous inclusions. The shell exists mainly as elongate rounded micritic calcite inclusions which can exhibit lamination. It is likely to be of fossil origin. The sand may be temper, whereas the sparse, more angular silt-sized inclusions of quartz, chert, muscovite mica and opaque iron were intrinsic. Non-vitrified non-calcareous clay matrix that is oxidised on one edge. Common meso-elongate voids and ring voids around the calcareous inclusions. The shell material is related to that in Sample 9 (EMWSS).
Example from Stoke Quay, Ipswich.
YARN - Yarmouth-type Ware Non-chalky
Similar to YAR but with little or no calcareous inclusions. See Mellor 1976, Fabric 3.
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Sub-rounded medium sand sized inclusions of quartz and rarer polycrystalline quartz, chert and degraded calcareous inclusions. The latter are composed of micritic calcite with some iron staining and pores from their degradation. It is not clear whether they were shell. Sand sized opaque inclusions of various types occur, including rounded opaques without clasts and more angular quartz silt containing features. Opaques occur in the fine inclusions alongside, quartz, chert, rare mica and glauconite. Non-vitrified non-calcareous clay matrix that is oxidised on one edge. Meso-elongate voids and ring voids around inclusions contain secondary
calcite infilling, perhaps from the degradation of the primary calcite. Petrographic composition does not fit the definition of ‘non-calcareous’. (NB - this sherd was from Ipswich Stoke Quay and was supplied as a sample of YARN, but it is more likely to be YAR).
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Sub-rounded medium sand sized inclusions of quartz and rarer polycrystalline quartz, chert and degraded calcareous inclusions. The latter are composed of micritic calcite with some iron staining and pores from their degradation. It is not clear whether they were shell. Sand sized opaque inclusions of various types occur, including rounded opaques without clasts and more angular quartz silt containing features. Opaques occur in the fine inclusions alongside, quartz, chert, rare mica and glauconite. Non-vitrified non-calcareous clay matrix that is oxidised on one edge. Meso-elongate voids and ring voids around inclusions contain secondary
calcite infilling, perhaps from the degradation of the primary calcite. Petrographic composition does not fit the definition of ‘non-calcareous’. (NB - this sherd was from Ipswich Stoke Quay and was supplied as a sample of YARN, but it is more likely to be YAR).
WVEMW - Waveney Valley Early Medieval Ware
Handmade version of WVSW, fine-medium sandy (variable sand colours, clear, white, brown, pink), some red clay pellets, rare mica.
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Well-sorted, sub-angular to sub-rounded fine and medium sand-sized inclusions of quartz and polycrystalline quartz with less common chert, microcline, ferruginous inclusions and fine quartz-rich sandstone. Less common silt-sized inclusions, dominated by angular quartz, muscovite mica and rounded opaques. The sand-sized inclusions may be temper. Non-vitrified, well oxidised non-calcareous clay matrix, with occasional iron-rich clay pellets and streaking. Frequent macro and meso-elongate drying voids parallel to sherd margins. Finer, better sorted fabric than EMW (Sample 5).
Example from Worlingham.
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Well-sorted, sub-angular to sub-rounded fine and medium sand-sized inclusions of quartz and polycrystalline quartz with less common chert, microcline, ferruginous inclusions and fine quartz-rich sandstone. Less common silt-sized inclusions, dominated by angular quartz, muscovite mica and rounded opaques. The sand-sized inclusions may be temper. Non-vitrified, well oxidised non-calcareous clay matrix, with occasional iron-rich clay pellets and streaking. Frequent macro and meso-elongate drying voids parallel to sherd margins. Finer, better sorted fabric than EMW (Sample 5).
Example from Worlingham.
EMWSS - Early Medieval Ware sparse shelly
Handmade, sparse shell up to 3mm (some leached), sparse medium sand (clear/brown), sparse clay pellets/soft ferrous inclusions, moderate to common mica. Hard. Reddish brown/grey. 11th–13th c.
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Sparse very well rounded coarse and very coarse sand-sized inclusions of quartz and elongate laminated fossil shell and abundant moderately well-packed angular silt-sized quartz, chert and muscovite mica, rounded silt-sized glauconite and rare plagioclase and amphibole. The sand sized inclusions could represent temper. Non-vitrified, non-calcareous clay matrix that is oxidised on the exterior and reduced in the interior. Rare sand-sized clay-rich textural inclusion. Meso-elongate voids and occasional large vughs. The shell material is related to that in Sample 11 (YAR).
Example from Great Barton.
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Sparse very well rounded coarse and very coarse sand-sized inclusions of quartz and elongate laminated fossil shell and abundant moderately well-packed angular silt-sized quartz, chert and muscovite mica, rounded silt-sized glauconite and rare plagioclase and amphibole. The sand sized inclusions could represent temper. Non-vitrified, non-calcareous clay matrix that is oxidised on the exterior and reduced in the interior. Rare sand-sized clay-rich textural inclusion. Meso-elongate voids and occasional large vughs. The shell material is related to that in Sample 11 (YAR).
Example from Great Barton.
EMWSG - Early medieval ware sparse shell and grit
Similar to EMWSS but with moderate coarse sand. Shell is often leached out.
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Frequent well rounded coarse sand-sized inclusions of quartz and less common polycrystalline quartz and iron-stained chert, plus elongate rounded voids from the destruction of plant matter. More abundant, sub-rounded to angular fine sand and silt inclusions of quartz, polycrystalline quartz, chert, muscovite mica, ferruginous matter and rare glauconite. Distinct coarse fraction likely to be temper. Non-vitrified and oxidised non-calcareous clay matrix. Distinct large elongate rounded voids resemble shape of shell inclusions on Sample 9, but contain charred organic matter and no calcareous material.
Example from Sudbourne.
TS sample description (Patrick Quinn):
Frequent well rounded coarse sand-sized inclusions of quartz and less common polycrystalline quartz and iron-stained chert, plus elongate rounded voids from the destruction of plant matter. More abundant, sub-rounded to angular fine sand and silt inclusions of quartz, polycrystalline quartz, chert, muscovite mica, ferruginous matter and rare glauconite. Distinct coarse fraction likely to be temper. Non-vitrified and oxidised non-calcareous clay matrix. Distinct large elongate rounded voids resemble shape of shell inclusions on Sample 9, but contain charred organic matter and no calcareous material.
Example from Sudbourne.
EMWS - Early Medieval Ware Shelly
Handmade wares with abundant shell and minimal or no sand. More common in Essex and probably an Essex type (cf Fabrics 12A and 12B).
Example from Sudbury.
Example from Sudbury.
EMWSD - Early Medieval Shell-dusted Wares
Fine to medium sandy handmade wares with shell-dusting externally on rim and shoulders. Comparable with or the same as Essex type Fabric 13S (Cotter 2000).
Example from Nayland.
Example from Nayland.
EMWSD - Early Medieval Shell-dusted Ware
Fine to medium sandy handmade wares with shell-dusting externally on rim and shoulders. Comparable with or the same as Essex type Fabric 13S (Cotter 2000).
Example from Nayland.
Example from Nayland.
EMWSD - Early Medieval Shell-dusted Wares
Fine to medium sandy handmade wares with shell-dusting externally on rim and shoulders. Comparable with or the same as Essex type Fabric 13S (Cotter 2000).
Example from Hadleigh.
Example from Hadleigh.
EMWFL - Early Medieval Ware Flinty
Abundant fine to medium sand, moderate coarse white angular quartz and moderate medium to coarse angular flint (up to 2mm) varying from grey to dark red. Superficially similar to Yarmouth-type wares.
Example from Stoke Quay, Ipswich.
Example from Stoke Quay, Ipswich.
EMWG - Early Medieval Ware Gritty.
Handmade, thick-walled vessels, probably coil or slab-built. Rims may be wheel made or finished. Moderate to common coarse (>1mm) rounded quartz in a medium sandy matrix with occasional calcareous and/or ferrous inclusions. Coarser type of EMWE. Generally reddish brown with a grey core, but variable. 11th–12th/13th c. These wares occur relatively infrequently across most sites of the period and are generally quite variable in colour and appearance. Black, orange, buff etc, sometimes with reduced core.
Example from Bardwell.
Example from Bardwell.
EMWcp - Early Medieval Ware Clay Pellets
East Suffolk type, similar to Melton Ware but not shelly. Fine/medium sandy, well-sorted, with sparse mica and very fine soft red/brown ferrous or clay particles. Black or reddish brown surfaces, red-brown margins and dark core, sometimes fully reduced.
Example from Darsham.
Example from Darsham.
EMEMS - Early Medieval Essex Micaceous Wares
Finer version of Essex early medieval ware, similar fabric to Hedingham ware. Cf Cambs fabric (Spoerry 2016).
Example from Whatfield.
Example from Whatfield.
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