Highgate Wood Roman kiln 2
The most complete Roman pottery kiln found in Greater London will be put on public display for the first time since it was discovered by archaeologists in 1968.
Thanks to a £243,550 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, one of the country’s best-preserved Roman artefacts has been carefully restored and will be unveiled at 11am on Sunday 1 September 2024 as part of the annual Highgate Wood Community Heritage Day, ending at 4pm.
The event – organised by the Corporation, which manages Highgate Wood as a registered charity – will include the firing of a replica kiln along with guided walks, a children’s Roman-themed woodland adventure workshop, arts, crafts, and other activities.
The original kiln will be on display in the Information Hut as part of a temporary exhibition with further renovations to create a Visitor Centre and activities planned over the next few years.
Chair of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, William Upton KC, said:
“Until recently, the pieces of this extraordinary find have been inaccessible to the public.
“Now, thanks to the Friends of Highgate Roman Kiln, Haringey Council, and the Corporation, it has been possible to bring this piece of history back to life. It will be the only pottery kiln of its kind to be exhibited anywhere in the country.
“The return of the kiln to Highgate Wood is a wonderful achievement, but the project isn’t over yet. Over the next year, we’ll be transforming the Information Hut into more of a Visitor Centre to create a welcoming and engaging learning environment. We’ll also be adding replica kiln firings to our calendar of activities and events.”
Nick Peacey from The Friends of Highgate Roman Kiln said:
“The Highgate Wood Heritage Day marks an important milestone for the Firing London’s Imagination project.
“We’re delighted that Graham Taylor of Potted History will be in charge of firing the replica kiln, and our ambition to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with and enjoy the story of the Highgate Roman kilns will be that much closer to being fulfilled.”
The Deputy Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Sarah Williams, added
“With Haringey gearing up to be the London Borough of Culture in 2027, it’s fantastic that the newly restored Roman kiln is making a long-awaited return to its rightful place after a 56-year absence.
“With its very own, dedicated visitor centre, the kiln will be another great tourist attraction and I’d encourage everyone to come along to the Highgate Community Heritage Day and see this incredible historic artefact for themselves.
“The return of this Roman kiln has been achieved by the council working in close collaboration with residents.
“I’d like to thank staff at the Bruce Castle Museum and Archive, the Friends of the Highgate Roman Kiln, the Corporation and the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their commitment and support in making this possible.”
The kiln is thought to be the last built by Roman potters who worked in Highgate Wood between 50CE and 160CE to supply Londinium, the capital of Roman Britain, and southeast England with distinctive ‘Highgate Ware’ pottery.
Highgate Wood is an ancient woodland, located in the London Borough of Haringey in north London and is protected by the Corporation.
It has won the prestigious Green Flag Award every year since the scheme was launched in 1996, recognising it as one of the best managed open spaces in the world. It has also received Green Heritage Award status for its historic features and high standard of conservation.
The Corporation manages a network of 11,000 acres of internationally important open spaces across London and southeast England, including nearby Hampstead Heath, investing over £38m a year.
Many of these sites are run as registered charities at little or no cost to the communities they serve.
They include important wildlife habitats, Special Areas of Conservation, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and National Nature Reserves, and are protected from being built on by special legislation.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK – .
Highgate Wood Community Heritage Day takes place between 11am and 4pm on Sunday 1 September 2024 and is free to attend.
There will be stalls selling local produce, including the North London Beekeepers who have hives in the Wood; crafts from artists at Muswell Creatives; nature activities from Heath Hands; and a dog show, organised by All Dogs Matter.
For more information visit /events/highgate-wood-community-heritage-day.
The Friends of Highgate Roman Kiln (registered charity number 1177405) was established in 2018 to conserve and reinstate the kiln back to Highgate Wood. The trustees include specialists in archaeology, heritage and public engagement, as well as members of the local Haringey community – www.highgateromankiln.org.uk.
The kiln has been restored by materials and training experts at The Natural Building Centre in Wales – www.thenaturalbuildingcentre.co.uk.
Bruce Castle Museum is operated by Haringey Council – www.haringey.gov.uk/libraries-sport-and-leisure/culture-and-entertainment/exploring-haringey/bruce-castle-museum.
';
