Description

North Devon Pottery and Its Export to America in the 17th Century is a comprehensive historical study that delves into the rich tradition of pottery production in North Devon, England, and its significant role in transatlantic trade during the 1600s. The book meticulously traces the origins and development of the North Devon pottery industry, highlighting the unique techniques, materials, and decorative styles that distinguished its wares. Drawing on archaeological evidence, shipping records, and contemporary accounts, the author explores how these robust, utilitarian ceramics—such as sgraffito-decorated dishes, slipware, and coarse earthenware—became essential household items in early colonial America. The narrative examines the economic and social factors that fueled the export of North Devon pottery, including the region’s proximity to major ports like Barnstaple and Bideford, and the enterprising spirit of local potters and merchants. The book provides vivid descriptions of the potteries themselves, the craftsmen at work, and the bustling trade networks that connected rural English communities with the distant settlements of New England and the Chesapeake. Through detailed illustrations and photographs of surviving artifacts, readers gain insight into the daily lives of both English and American colonists, for whom these humble vessels were indispensable. In addition to chronicling the journey of North Devon pottery across the Atlantic, the book investigates the impact of this trade on colonial material culture, showing how English ceramics influenced local pottery traditions and domestic practices in America. The author also addresses the challenges of identifying North Devon wares in archaeological contexts, offering guidance for collectors and researchers. Rich in historical detail and scholarly analysis, North Devon Pottery and Its Export to America in the 17th Century is an essential resource for historians, archaeologists, collectors, and anyone interested in the transatlantic connections that shaped the early modern world.