found in 2005 in the back-garden of "Olde Stone", Lydford (which lies within the original Anglo-Saxon town of Lydanford) is considered by archaeological experts (see Reference below) to be of late Saxo-Norman, tenth-eleventh century date. It is of the type called "Grog Ware", and its granitic inclusions suggest that it was made in the local area of present day Devon.

Its discovery is particularly interesting because previous early pottery found (in small quantity) during the archaeological excavations of Lydford Castle dates from the twelfth to thirteenth century, ie significantly after the "Olde Stone" piece shown here.

Reference: Personal Communication from Mrs Jane Marchand, Archaeologist of the Dartmoor National Park Authority (following her consultation with Exeter Archaeology, RAM Museum, Exeter) to Dr & Mrs D W Palmer by e-mail on the 15th November 2005 .