Uncovering Henry VIII's Manor House at Dartford

1991 marked the 500th anniversary of the birth of Henry VIII. To link up with this important event Dartford District Archaeological Group approached Allied London Properties to obtain permission to carry out an exploratory excavation on a large site owned by them in Dartford. The site, which up until recently formed part of APV Baker Ltd. (originally J. E. Hall Ltd.), lies close to the remaining portion of Dartford’s visible link with this popular monarch, namely the Manor Gatehouse. This building, now owned by Dartford Borough Council, originally served as the west gate to a large manor house built between 1551–1554 for King Henry VIII.

This manor house site is probably one of the most important archaeological sites in Dartford, so therefore whenever areas of land become available for exploratory excavations, the Group have readily asked for access to them. Various areas have been worked on by the Group since 1976, each of which has revealed more evidence of the ‘lost’ manor house.

Allied London Properties very kindly gave permission for the Group to carry out our researches on the site, which began in November 1991. Our work was concentrated to the west of the site close to the boundary with APV Baker Ltd. This area was chosen as in the past other parts of the site had been disturbed by building works to such a depth that the archaeological deposits would have long been destroyed.

To speed up our work a mechanical excavator was hired to dig five trenches in the chosen area. At a depth of 4ft. – 5ft. a layer of demolition rubble was found. This appears to have been spread over the site to level it, and in one particular place it formed a pathway. This was measured and planned and then Group members started to remove it. In doing so it was found to contain shaped stone and brick as well as printed and stamped floor tiles about 4 ins. square, decorated with different designs including geometric, floral, and heraldic patterns. These tiles were medieval in date and probably came from the Dartford Priory which was demolished in 1541 to make way for Henry’s new manor house. Tiles of this type were mainly used for flooring in religious buildings of this period.

The Group’s excavation seemed to have coincided with the substantial grounds of the residence as no walls were found or any other structures. However, on the last day of digging a section of the eastern boundary wall was uncovered, recorded, and photographed before being buried again. The objects found on this excavation are currently being cleaned and catalogued at our Research Centre in Dartford.