Post Medieval and Imperial Brick Kiln, Witherley Rd, Atherstone.

1 A brick kiln circa 18th century exposed during the construction of a garage at the above grid reference. The kiln consisted of a brick pavement with channels of vitrified material. An excavation was conducted on an additional area revealing a stoke pit and flue line. The firing chamber consisted of a level brick pavement, having straight flue channels every 3 bricks. One semi circular brick probably came from the flue arch construction. The phase 1 stokehole was cut into natural clay; in phase 2 this was filled and levelled in clay. The kiln wall was probably about 1 m thick. The brick dimensions were 23 by 11 by 5.5 cm.
2 The excavation is described in greater detail and a reconstruction discussed. In addition, documentary evidence for brick production in Atherstone is considered.
3 Plan.