‘This little potter went to market’ The use of ceramic evidence to study the socioeconomic landscapes of rural markets in medieval Yorkshire (England)

Previous studies of England’s medieval markets have rarely combined the available documentary evidence with archaeological material. This study takes such a combined approach and, based on data from Yorkshire, investigates the role of markets in the distribution of ceramic vessels. The importance of carefully considering distribution patterns is demonstrated through this analysis of medieval pottery production and consumption in the Vale of Pickering. Here, the impact of emerging rural markets during the 12th and 13th centuries is considered in more detail and evidence of potters’ catering specifically to the needs of the rural population is presented.