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Big dig’s kiln could be as old as first century AD
August 5th, 2004
The structure of the kiln, which archaeologists believe is likely to date back to the first or second century, was found largely intact with the stoke hole, firing passage and a part of the network of flues, together with a drain made of square section clay flue tiles.
The delicate operation to lift the kiln was managed by John Price, and his team had to cut the kiln in half in order to lift it out.
John said: "It went very smoothly. We had a very large crane which was on the road outside, it arrived mid-morning and things got started at 12.30pm.
"The crane lifted the box and we stabilised the kiln pretty fast, considering it weighed between nine and 11 tonnes."
County Councillor Daniel Kee campaigned to have the kiln lifted out and preserved shortly after it was discovered, even offering to temporarily store it on his own land.
Coun Kee said: "It's a hugely historic find and I wanted it preserved for the county so the public could see the first carved factory ever found.
Surrey Archeological Society is hoping to shortly issue a date when the kiln will be made available for public display.
By Stuart Pink - thisislocallondon.co.uk
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