Bottle Kiln at Winchcombe Pottery

Bottle kiln at Winchcombe Pottery, thought to date from the late-C18, rebuilt in the mid-C20.

MATERIALS AND PLAN: the kiln is round on plan and is constructed of brick, with some concrete.

DESCRIPTION: the circular bottle kiln has at its lowest stage a brick base which has four concrete openings or fire holes which give access to the fire and ashpit within. Above this, the second stage has an opening on its southern side which gives access to the chamber, and above this the brick tapers to a tall chimney, and has an opening or wicket into the hovel above the chamber. There are iron bands supporting the base of this upper section.

Internally, there is an inner course of bricks known as the bag wall around the chamber and a space between this and the outer course, with connecting bricks at intervals which support the bag wall. The kiln floor is of concrete slabs with gaps between, and the arched ceiling has a central opening to the hovel and chimney above.