Pottery kiln used by Tudors found in school

A pottery kiln from the 15th or 16th century was found at Sutton VA Primary School

A pottery kiln that may have been used during the Tudor period has been discovered at a school.

It was found at Sutton VA Primary School, near Potton in Bedfordshire, ahead of work to build a new play area.

Archaeologists said kilns of its size and quality were rare in the area and it could suggest it had a more substantial pottery industry than previously thought.

David Ingham from excavators Albion Archaeology, a contractor for Central Bedfordshire Council, said the kiln may have been in use for decades.

Local children and residents were invited to look at the find

The project manager added: "This discovery pushes our understanding of the pottery industry around Sutton, Potton and Everton in the late medieval period.

"It was more substantial than we previously realised and that helps build a richer picture of life in this area during that time."

Pupils at the school and nearby residents were given access to the discovery and spoke to archaeologists.

The council described the kiln as "among the most complete examples uncovered" with much of its lower structure including flues and stoke-hole still intact.

More than 300kg (660lb) of pottery was found during the excavation which will be stored at the Higgins Museum in Bedford.

Both the kiln and the pottery will be recreated and archived digitally as 3D computer models.