Verwood was the main Dorset pottery-making
area, with kilns here from medieval times. The last pottery, at Cross
Roads, in the middle of Verwood didn't close down until 1952, and continued
to make plain traditional earthenware pots right up to the end. Their most
famous product was the Dorset Pill, Costrel or Owl - a flask with ear-like lugs, used by
labourers for taking cider or cold tea into the fields when working.