New Generation Thinkers: Clay and Collapse

Available for over a year

Medieval historian Eleanor Barraclough heads to Highgate Woods in London, the site of ten former Roman kilns, which were operated from c40-150 CE. Here she sees a replica kiln in action – as skilled potters create pots using historically accurate materials, tools and decorations - and hear what brought the Romans and pottery clay, to the Thames. And she'll explore the biggest mystery in British pottery history: after the Roman's left, why did potters abandon their wheels, and return to simpler hand building techniques? Contributors: Monika Buttling-Smith, member of the Society of Thames Mudlarks Nick Peacey, Friends of Highgate Roman Kiln Shem Morgan, Senior Technician at Turning Earth Highgate Graham Taylor, Potted History Producer: Becca Bryers