17th-century “fridges” found in Bristol
Published on June 22nd, 2010 | by Admin1
Ice houses were dug deep, lined with straw and sawdust and then packed with ice in the winter to store perishable goods.
Other items dating back to medieval times were also found, including glazed pottery, animal bones and a spindle wheel.
Andrew Young, principal archeologist for Avon Archeologists in Kingswood, described the discovery of the domestic ice houses and 17th-century pottery as “extremely exciting.”
He said: “Normally ice houses would be found in grand country houses. They would be lined with straw and sawdust and filled with ice so perishables could be stored.