Do you visit Seaford Post Office and hurry through the entrance to see if there is a long queue?
I remember the old Post Office site in Broad Street and then the excavations, as a new location was prepared in Church Street. During the preparations in 1976, a dig was undertaken by a team from the Field Archaeology Unit at University College London, to uncover more of the town’s rich history.
One of the finds, a damaged mediaeval pottery jug, now rests in a dusty glass case just inside the Post Office entrance. A notice, headed ‘Seaford Jug’, explains its origin and discovery, along with similar items, near the ground beneath your feet.
The top of the jug is broken away and the full damage may have happened when it was discarded into a dry well – a useful place for dumping domestic rubbish.
The Seaford Jug dates from the late 13th to the early 14th century. It is a simple piece of unglazed earthenware, locally made and most likely used to carry water, milk or beer.
We are lucky it has survived across the centuries. It shows us the potter’s art and his thumb pressings, around the base of the jug, leave a personal touch that makes us look more closely at this ancient piece.
The jug has been displayed for decades inside a custom-made, glass-fronted case set into brickwork on the right as you enter the building. I like to stop and look, even though it is familiar to me.
It was set there with pride and now deserves a spring clean and the chance to stop more passers-by, as we go about our daily business.
EJ
Celebrating Seaford 