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The introduction of glazing represents a highly significant advance in the production of pottery in the London area in the Middle Ages. Until the end of the 11th century, pottery made and used in London and south-east England was entirely without glaze and handmade by coil-building. The only glazed wares known in London were traded from the Continent or the Stamford area in Lincolnshire. Then, around 1080, as shown by archaeological evidence from the Thames waterfront, local potters began to experiment with applying glaze to their wares. The new technology spread rapidly throughout the region and by the end of the 12th century most ceramic industries in the London area included at least some glazed pots in their repertoire.

The advantages of glazing are considerable, particularly in making pots less porous and improving their appearance. Once the basic technology of preparing lead glazes from crushed galena or other minerals had been learned, glazing became standard for pots such as jugs within 50 years. Cooking pots and other kitchen wares were usually glazed on the inside only, while jugs were glazed outside to make the most of the decorative effects. By adding copper filings to the basic lead glaze, probably in suspension, a distinctive green colour could be obtained and is often seen as a key characteristic of medieval pottery in the London area and beyond.

The term 'medieval glazed wares' is used of pottery that was made in industries situated in south-east England and the London region in which glazing was a principal feature of their wares, even though some of their products may have little or no glaze. More information about the chief glazed wares used in London until the end of the medieval period can be found in the sub-groups.

Main image caption

Detail of a Kingston-type ware conical jug, accession number 5591, found in Bishopsgate, London EC2, probably in the late 19th century. The neck of the jug has had clay added to create the features of a bearded man and his eyes have been made using a ring and dot stamp. This type of decoration is known as anthropomorphic.

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