This pottery was produced in Hereford in the late 12th and in the 13th century, although there may have been kilns elsewhere in the area.
Hard; Principal inclusions; Rounded grains of sandstones, siltstones, mudstones and white clay pellets, all between 1.0 mm and 2.0mm. Rounded quartz less than 1.0 mm occurs. Sparse black mica flakes up to 1.0mm. The clay matrix is of angular quartz and white mica silt up to 0.1mm.
The colour has an oxidized (red) surface and reduced (grey) core. Clear glaze appears patchy green and orange due to incomplete oxidation; copper-flecked glaze also occurs. Worcestershire fabric 60.
13th/14th century; rare. This fabric was the second most plentiful at sites in Titley, north Herefordshire and small sherds were found at the Focus, Mill Street, site in Leominster. Although a source in north Herefordshire for the Leominster and Titley material seems likely, wasters of A4, together with wasters of A2 and A3 were found in the King's Fee site in Hereford.
A4 is also found at Kilpeck.
fabric in section
internal surface of fabric
external surface of fabric
external surface of fabric showing rim decoration
Tripod pitchers are hand-formed and less globular than A2 or A3. Rolled-out rims are often decorated with thumbed bands. Decoration on upper part is incised horizontal grooves, applied strips, wavy combing and stabbed combed impression. Thin-walled vessels.
Similar forms can be found in A2, A3 and A4. A3 and A4 normally have rectangular pitcher feet.