Old 'Roman' vase?
Found in Thorney Bay
I have just read the article in the archaeological site by Janet Penn. This reminded me of this old vase which was found by my father, Les Brodrick when he was laying his fishing lines in Thorney bay in the early 50’s and wondered if it was of any interest as it seems similar to the bowl depicted in the article.
In the second picture (see gallery below. Click on picture to enlarge) there seems to be a stone or piece of glass embedded in the clay.
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Fantastic Roy. Thanks for posting. Lets hope we can answer the question.
Not an expert on Roman pottery but this looks like it could be high quality Samian wear. High gloss glaze and terracotta colour are similar to this ware. Samian tended to be plain, though but very well made. Roman decoration tended to be more scenic and the braided handles are unusual. You would more likely find this quality of stuff in country villas and high end town houses. Washed off a wreck is a possibility, the Thames being a major trading route throughout Roman occupation. As I said, no expert so open to correction by more knowledgeable historians, but think it might well be later. Lovely find though.
Thanks Janet and Dave.
I remember as kids in the late 40’s early 50’s we used to go mudding. There was a man who lived opposite us on Matlock Road, I remember his garden was full of model airplanes the propellers used as wind-vanes, I think. He used to buy anything old we found and well remember a dagger and sword we found that he paid five shillings each for. Roman, I don’t know, they were rusty but 5/- was a lot of money in those days and it was usually sixpence or a shilling, this was the most we ever got. In retrospect we would find something at least once a week that he purchased. Those were the days.
Hi Roy
Goo d to hear from you and that you are still keeping up to date with Canvey thru the Archive after such a long time after leaving the Island as a child. Did your Dad take the vase with you to South Africa ? I doubt if you remember me, I certainly recall your family living in the flat at my Auntie Blossom’s house ‘ The Settlement’ I played with your brother Duke a few times before you left for Matlock Rd. Your Mum messaged me a few yrs ago via the Archive and I think she must have been in her 90s then, is she still around? I remember her as being a very pretty lady with a very nice sun tan.
Re the vase it certainly looks like a Roman import as mentioned by Dave Housden, subsequent to your Dad’s find I believe there were archeological excavations which established a Romano British dwelling.area at Deadmans Point and even one out in the deep water channel proving that land levels were higher than the following centuries. Good to hear from you! Regards Graham.
Sorry about the stupid question re the vase being taken to South Africa as it is obvious from the images you sent they are up to date. Also I didn’t read your comment properly and you are probably already aware of the Romano-British sites in the Thorney Bay Area. Graham.
Thank you Janet. Sorry it took so long to reply.very remiss of me.
Graham…Again apologies. Mum, dad and Duke sadly passed away in 2013. I still have photos of myself crawling about on the lawn at the Settlement. Small world. I Googled Canvey a few year back but there are so many changes there was nothing left of where we lived etc. I so remember the open fields where we used to play, all gone! Sad. Regards Roy.
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