"The Chimney in the Field; 300 years, or more of Occupation"
Stone Heritage Centre Exhibition
This display of finds is from an excavation conducted by the Stoke-on-Trent Museum Archaeological Society (SoTMAS) at 'Chimney Field' also known as Hall Field in Hilderstone. The society are investigating the remains of a building which occupied the field locally known as "Chimney Field" where, until about 2000, a chimney stood. The excavation has shown that a small single roomed farm building from the early 16th century developed into something more substantal by the late 17th century. The building was demolished in about 1850 having stood and been occupied for about 300 years. However, more recent evidence ,ay show earlier occupation structures under the building, taking the story of occupation back even further. The period during the 17th century showed the development of greater prosperity within Britain and the finds on display show that a rise in prosperity for those families who lived in the building did occur. Though they never made vast wealth, they certainly had sufficient to purchase better quality items. The building was enlarged during the 17th century and later in the 18th and 19th centuries the occupants still displayed a certain level of wealth. It is possible that the increased level of prosperity at the site is evidence of the emergence of a Yeoman farmer. The society wishes to thank Stone Heritage Centre and its staff for allowing us to have this display.
The images below link to the page for each collection of artefacts, providing more information on the object and what potentially can be learnt from it. A fuller description of the excavation at "Chimney Field" can be found in the excavation's dig diary.
