Obituary: Albert Daniels
[pg6]For over 50 years there have been very few archaeological sites around Maidstone at which the avuncular face of Albert Daniels was not to be seen.
His interest in archaeology went back to the late 60s when he was part of the Medway archaeological scene, remembered by John Cruse, a fellow member of the Lower Medway Archaeological Research Group. “We dug together on Arthur Harrison’s investigations of Roman Rochester, the early Bronze Age site at Wouldham and at Cuxton.” Albert was also an early member of the Maidstone Area Archaeological Group, (MAAG), which was formed in 1969. “Our main project was to help Arthur Harrison excavate the Roman barn at Snodland,” recalls John. Throughout his 50-year association with MAAG, Albert held the position of archaeological director, chairman and secretary at various times, and was its charismatic champion.
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Albert was also a member of the Kent Archaeological Society, (KAS), which he joined in 1973, and he became the KAS Local Secretary for Maidstone in 1984. He was a member of the KAS Fieldwork Committee for many years and hardly missed a meeting, serving as Vice Chair in recent times. A highlight of these, often lengthy, meetings, recalls Dr Steve Willis, was both his sage and well-informed advice on matters before the Committee and his humour, which was served up in a dry straight manner, the delivery adding something unique to the mirth it generated. The ‘members reports’ element of these meetings saw him invariably list numerous activities he and MAAG had undertaken, and thankfully these details were minuted (but sadly, not the jokes). He also served on the KAS council for over ten years from 1987 and as one of the KAS scrutineers for many years.
Albert’s list of site credits is extensive, including assisting on the Peter Tester excavations at Boxley Abbey in 1970, the Mount Roman site in Maidstone, Snodland and Leeds Abbey. He also undertook numerous watching briefs, for which he received a small fee that he passed on to the MAAG treasurer. He also participated in digs around the county, especially in East Kent with the Dover Archaeological Group, (DAG), where he famously split a gold stater in half with his mattock whilst at the Folkstone Roman Villa site. Of course, in recent years he is probably best known for his work with MAAG at the site in East Farleigh, begun in 2005, which was billed as a quick re-excavation of a 19th-century discovery, but which led to the uncovering of at least six Roman buildings over the ensuing twelve years, none of which turned out to be the one uncovered in the 1830s. He also enjoyed postexcavation work, and spent much time working on the Lullingstone finds processing, as well as at Shorne and Randall Manor providing analysis of animal bone.
Albert did not confine himself to digging in Kent, however. He was a member of the archaeological society in Derbyshire, where he had a holiday home. He became very knowledgeable on the history and archaeology of the area and would frequently take part in local excavations and conferences. He was also a member of the Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group, (HAARG), where he participated in many of their excavations and events especially the port and roadside settlement of the Classis Britannica at Kitchenham Farm, Ashburnham and the associated tile production site at Castle Croft, Ninfield. He was also a member of the Hunter Society in Sheffield.
[pg7]Born in 1947 at home in Milton Street in Maidstone, Albert was a lifelong advocate of Maidstone, often writing to the newspapers on various issues of concern. He was always interested in his family history, which contains an extensive list of ancestors, including owners of ‘doss houses’ in Stone Street and publicans of several public houses throughout the town. He was well known for his public talks about Stone Street, its surrounding area and the antics of the residents. He attended St Philip’s Primary school, then South Borough Boys School, coming away with 12 O levels. From the age of fourteen, he had a keen interest in the theatre and would have liked a profession in theatre stage design and production. He went for an audition at the National Youth Theatre where he was pipped to the post by Simon Ward, or so he claimed. He left school at sixteen and took a job with Cox Brothers, a local builder where his Dad worked. He later got a job on the North Sea oil rigs and from there secured a job in oil exploration in Africa. He said, “You landed in Lagos and lasted two weeks before you could get a flight back – or you lasted the three years!” Albert lasted the three years and returned home where he worked as a freelance surveyor for various companies travelling across Kent and beyond and frequently brought him into contact with archaeology.
It was at this time that he met his wife Diane, and they adopted three children, and he eventually studied part-time for a BSc in Archaeological Sciences, which was awarded in 1989. During the 1980s, he was confirmed into the Church of England, worshipping at St Philip’s and latterly, at St Paul’s, Boxley Road. When his children were younger, he was always involved in their work and could be seen preparing woodwork and painting scenery for Noah’s Ark, the annual nativity and other stories. He also played major roles in the end of the week performance, as Noah in his Ark with rearranged choir stalls and obligatory tea-towel on the head! He will be sorely missed for his church maintenance skills in both churches.
Albert loved life, and he loved people. He adored his grandchildren, of which he has twelve, and a great-grandchild. He enjoyed travelling around the UK, visiting new towns and cities. He liked to wander through the streets and usually ended up exploring a church, museum, or art gallery with the occasional, but essential stops for coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. He didn’t believe in driving on a direct route if a diversion could be made. He had the habit of suddenly veering off down an unknown country lane. “You can’t get lost. This is England,” he would exclaim.
He did enjoy a beer, preferably with convivial company. Often, in The Rifle Volunteers, he would swear by the benefits of “Mrs Goacher’s Patent Medicine” (real ale). He was a keen member of the quiz team and was team captain of the Rifle Volunteers B team in the Maidstone League for many years. He was president of the Maidstone Historical Society and also a member of the Maidstone Postcard Society, where he collected numerous postcards, especially of his pet subject, Jezreel’s Tower in Gillingham.
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Albert has been described as a legend, a man of immense character, wit, humour and intelligence with an enormous heart, and a mischievous glint in his eye. His knowledge of the history and archaeology of Maidstone, Kent and beyond was vast. We are all the poorer for his passing. In recent years, particularly as his poor health made active digging more difficult, Albert made strenuous efforts to make sure all post-excavation work from his long career was complete, and that his archive was in safe hands for the future. All who care for Kent’s archaeology are beneficiaries of his legacy.
As Albert would say, “clear up your loose!”
Stephen Clifton (MAAG)