27.  BEAKER WITH MOULDED FACE

English, 15th century

Lawrence's interest in mediaeval archaeology began while he was still at school. He collected pottery fragments unearthed in Oxford building-site excavations, and used to offer the workmen a small reward for interesting pieces. Ashmolean records show that he resented his better find to the Museum. The Annual Report for 1906 states: 'During the past year the considerable disturbance of the ground for the foundations of new buildings in the city, at Hertford College, Jesus College, St. John's College, in High Street and in the Cornmarket on the sites of the Civet Cat and Leopold Arms, has produced many remains of pottery and glass of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Owing to the generosity of Mr. E. Lawrence and also C. F. C. Beeson, who have by incessant watchfulness secured everything of antiquarian value, finds have been added to the local antiquities collection of the Museum.' ¹

This beaker was found at 7 Cornmarket Street in 1907, on the site of the curiosity shop known as the Civet Cat.

The Visitors of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (M177)

1. 'Annual Report of the Ashmolean Museum of 1906' in Oxford University Gazette, 30.4.1907, pp. 552-6.

Glazed earthenware, 9.75 h.