Resolving an Enigma: The Discovery of a Continuous Annular Tunnel Kiln at the Royal Doulton Potteries, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent

Abstract

ABSTRACT For much of the 20th century, Royal Doulton was one the major producers of china and earthenware in the UK, most of which was manufactured at the Royal Doulton Potteries in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. Following the closure and demolition of this iconic works in the early 21st century, an archaeological excavation was undertaken in advance of redevelopment. This included the recording of the remains of an unusually large and enigmatic annular kiln that formed an integral element of the mid-20th-century works. Historical research combined with the archaeological work concluded that it was a massive gas-fired Woodall-Duckham tunnel kiln used for the continuous firing of both earthenware and bone china, representing a ground-breaking approach to the production of pottery during this period. This article presents the results of the excavation and historical research, and highlights how the kiln integrated many of the technological developments that were occurring in the wider pottery industry during the inter-war years.