THREE AND A HALF CENTURIES OF BOTTLE MANUFACTURE

Abstract

This paper looks at the development of the bottle glass industry in England. The production of bottles is considered from both a typological perspective and through the chemical composition of the glass used. Samples of bottles and bottle production debris from many different production sites have been analysed to determine their chemical composition. The changes in the social organisation of the industry are discussed in relation to the changing materials and technologies employed in bottle production.

I would like to thank the many colleagues without whom the research for this paper would not have been possible. My thanks are due to the archaeologists who provided the numerous samples of bottle glass and glassworking waste for chemical analysis that form the basis of much of this paper (Bruce Williams, Bob Jones, Anne Finney, Reg Jackson, Kieron Tyler, Hugh Willmott and Michael Chapman). The research would have not been possible without the assistance of fellow researchers (Eleanor Blakelock, Caroline Jackson, Cath Mortimer, Victoria Lucas and Carlotta Gardner) who completed the chemical analysis of material from many of the sites used in this paper.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

DAVID DUNGWORTH

DAVID DUNGWORTH has a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology from Birmingham University and a doctorate in archaeological science from Durham University. He has a keen interest in the scientific study of materials and residues produced by many different high-temperature industries from prehistory to the 20th century. He has worked as a materials scientist with English Heritage for 12 years.

Correspondence to: David Dungworth, English Heritage, Fort Cumberland, Portsmouth Po4 9LD, UK. Email: [email protected]