Heworth, clay pit(s)

Four references have been found to the digging of clay in Over Heworth in the 14th century. In 1357-8 John Oteson, potter, was assigned a rod of clay for 20s 6d, but the court proceeded against 3 others for taking the same without licence. In 1379 the convent's terrar took clay worth 13s 4d for tenements, i.e. presumably for building operations, and for 20s John Buron and Adam Potter of Gateshead were licensed to dig clay for a year with 2 men. The precise location of this activity is unknown.