Looking at suburban Cheam today it is amazing to think that in medieval times this was a hive of industry with multiple pottery kilns turning out hundreds of jugs, cooking pots and storage vessels ...

I cooked leg of lamb in clay jugs, and it turned out to be my most delicious dish ever! The tender, juicy meat and rich flavors were unforgettable!

The jug itself is of black-glazed pottery and although an everyday item it still shows a careful degree of attention with a small sculpted head of a god on the handle and the decorative striping ...