Rediscovered Brick Kiln Reveals William & Mary’s Earliest History

A significant piece of William & Mary’s history, predating even its iconic Wren Building, has been rediscovered: a 17th-century brick kiln. The unearthing of this kiln, used to create the very bricks that formed the foundation of the university’s oldest structure, offers a tangible link to the institution’s earliest days and the labor that went into its creation.

William & Mary, chartered in 1693, holds the distinction of being the second-oldest university in the United States. The Wren Building, a symbol of the university’s rich history, stands as the oldest university building in the nation. However, the recently rediscovered brick kiln represents an even earlier chapter in the university’s story, predating the Wren Building itself.

The kiln’s rediscovery came about during efforts to waterproof the Wren Building’s foundation. Archaeological research manager and co-director of the William & Mary Center for Archaeological Research (WMCAR), Elizabeth Monroe, explained that the kiln was initially discovered in the 1930s. However, after being documented, it was covered with earth once again.

Monroe emphasized the advancements in archaeological techniques since the 1930s. While acknowledging that the initial excavation was careful for its time, she noted that modern techniques allow for even greater precision and detail in uncovering and interpreting historical artifacts. The initial excavation did reveal significant architectural features, laying the groundwork for the current rediscovery.

According to a 1993 archaeological report, the brick kiln served a crucial purpose: producing the clay bricks used in the construction of the Wren Building. The report notes that these kilns represent the first construction of any kind on the site, emphasizing their importance in the university’s physical beginnings. The earth excavated from the Wren Building’s basement is believed to have provided the raw material for the bricks. Following the restoration efforts of the time, the kilns were intentionally reburied.

Monroe described the kiln as "probably the oldest building that was on this site," emphasizing that it would have been constructed prior to the Wren Building to produce the necessary bricks. The sheer volume of bricks required for the Wren Building, which boasts a three-foot-thick foundation, underscores the scale of the kiln’s operation. The kiln’s proximity to the Wren Building is no accident, as the clay used to make the bricks was likely extracted from the very ground where the Wren Building’s cellar would later be located.

Charles Fulcher, director of Wren operations and events at William & Mary, highlighted the Wren Building’s enduring legacy, noting that it has remained in continuous use for approximately 325 years. Students continue to attend classes in the building, following in the footsteps of notable figures like Thomas Jefferson, who studied there in the early 1760s. The Wren Building serves as a central location for university traditions, ceremonies, and events. Fulcher emphasizes that the kiln’s rediscovery adds a new layer to the building’s rich history, bringing its age and origins to life.

Despite the significance of the brick kiln discovery, archaeologists at William & Mary emphasize that such finds are relatively common on campus. Due to the university’s long history, the landscape has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. Buildings have been erected and demolished, tennis courts have come and gone, and gardens and outbuildings have been added and removed. This constant evolution has left a rich archaeological record beneath the surface.

WMCAR project archaeologist Tom Higgins echoed this sentiment, stating that virtually any shovel strike on campus is likely to uncover artifacts that contribute to the university’s story. He cited the discovery of a kitchen in the basement of the Wren Building’s Great Hall, which yielded a wealth of 18th- and 19th-century refuse, including broken plates and bottles, providing insights into the daily lives of students and faculty in those eras.

Fulcher noted that the rediscovery of the brick kiln has resonated deeply with the university community, especially among the students who lead tours of the Wren Building. Upon learning of the discovery, Fulcher immediately informed his student tour guides, many of whom visited the site during the school day to witness the uncovered kiln, complete with the black marks in the soil indicating where the fires had been kindled to bake the bricks.

For now, the brick kiln has been reburied to allow for future scaffolding work on the Wren Building. However, archaeologists plan to re-excavate the site in the future to conduct necessary waterproofing and drainage repairs. Monroe emphasized the importance of documenting these sensitive archaeological features to guide future improvements and ensure their preservation for future generations. The rediscovery and planned future study of the brick kiln highlight William & Mary’s commitment to preserving and understanding its rich history.