Brislington Community Museum


Midland Purple (or Cistercian) Ware



Midland Purple (or Cistercian) Ware
Click ^ for larger image.


While similar to the type of pottery from Falfield, Gloucestershire, there are distinct differences. This sherd is likely to be Midland Purple Ware, which was manufactured betweeen 1450 and 1600. The pottery was particularly hard, and used for a wide range of vessels such as jugs, jars and bowls. However, this sherd, which includes part of the rim, has been described as a cup and may actually be Cistercian Ware (1475-1700, the pottery was not actually made by the monks) which is well known for its thin-walled cups with purplish-black glaze inside and out.

The dark purple glaze on this example is somewhat irridescent (the thumbnail shows the outside of the vessel), and the edge view shows the clay to contain some sandy inclusions. The walls of this sherd average 2.5mm thick.

Material: ceramic

Period: Post Medieval (or Medieval)

Find spot: Hampstead Road, Brislington, Bristol. ST 612710

Exhibit contributed by Ken Taylor

Text written by Ken Taylor, in 2010

Photographer: Ken Taylor

Acquisition number: 100825a1





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