Unique Newport Medieval pottery kiln to be unveiled

A Medieval fair will be staged at The Kiln, Newport Memorial Hall on Saturday, July 28 from 11.30am to mark the opening of the National Lottery-funded community project.

During the past three years Newport Memorial Hall and the wider community have carried out the research and conservation of this uniquely intact medieval pottery kiln, created an interpretation area and new community rooms for educational activity.

Project manager Siobhan Ashe said: “We are delighted that 100 years on, we have achieved what the first Newport Memorial Hall committee in 1921 had hoped to do: open this ancient artefact to the public.

“I am grateful to the volunteers who have put in a huge amount of time and energy, to the contractors and professionals and of course the National Lottery players who have funded the work.

“We are looking forward to a really fun opening day on July 28 where you can experience what it would have been like 500 years ago.”

To celebrate the opening of the new attraction, a medieval fair will take place with pottery and traditional craft workshops, talks, stalls and delicious food with a Medieval twist.

Expect wandering medieval characters, dress up like one and have a go at some medieval activities.

David Robinson, committee member of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales, said: “It has been fascinating to follow this project over the past few years, and to now be able to see the dedication and hard work of these volunteers paying off.

“This largely forgotten pottery kiln offers us a fascinating glimpse into our Medieval industrial history.”

The hall’s committee has expressed its thanks for the local donations and to the funders who have enabled the project to go ahead; National Lottery (through the Heritage Lottery Fund), Leadership Fund , Cadw, Sustainable Development Fund, The Foyle Foundation, Milford Haven Port Authority and Refreshing North Pembrokeshire.