KAS Newsletter, Issue 78, Autumn 2008
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) ICA' i CIETY
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A PREHIS TORIC LANDSCAPE
EMERGES AT BLACKSOLE FARM
Throughout the last 12 months, SWAT
Archaeology has been carrying out an
ongoing programme of archaeological
works in advance of development associated
with the new Altira Business Park at
Blacksole Farm, Beltinge, near Herne Bay.
Excitement amongst the archaeological
team builds on a daily basis as an evermore
complex prehistoric landscape continues
to emerge, the size and scale of the
site providing a fascinating window into
the ancient occupation of the Bogshole
Levels.
Originally commencing back in April
2007, an Archaeological Evaluation
indicated the presence of extensive, multiphase
remains associated with Prehistoric
Autnr•! 2
and Roman-period occupation/settlement
activity, in addition to Prehistoric industrial
activity and probable pottery production.
The results of the evaluation appeared to
confirm that the Levels were relatively well
populated during the Late Bronze/Early Iron
Age but, in common with a minority of
other sites in the area, the site also produced
evidence of earlier occupation.
Subsequent excavation within the western
extent of the site has confirmed the presence
of multi-phased occupation dating
from the Neolithic and Bronze Age through
the post-Medieval period when the farm
was established. Early results suggested a
nucleated prehistoric settlement, with
associated domestic, agricultural and possible
industrial land use, set out within a
managed agricultural landscape.
Excavations at Blacksole Farm have thus
afforded an exciting and rare opportunity to
study the landscape on both a macro - and
micro-scale level.
To date, three roundhouses have been
uncovered (two of which date to the
Middle Bronze Age, the third associated
with the Iron Age). providing the focal point
for a multi-phase settlement comprising
pits and ditches. The landscape was divided
up for arable, pastoral and domestic
BELOW The archaeological team within roundhouse II.
Co,-,-ots ond pens
purposes. Further rectangular enclosures.
along with droveways, field boundaries
and smaller internal divisions. reveal a network
of herding features essential to the
successful management and control of livestock.
Interrupted parallel ditches or droveways
set out at right-angles. are coupled
with enclosure ditches and features that
can be attributed to elements of animal
husbandry. Such features would typically
comprise collections of corrals or pens,
funnels and herding 'race·. used for droving,
batching and sorting of livestock.
Evidence for drahing gates. such as the
'three way drahing gate system' as suggested
by Francis Pryor (1998) also
appeared to be represented on site.
More excitement is building as a possible
longhouse emerges. comprising a
series of substantial post holes that contain
Neolithic waste flakes distributed in a
circular pattern (around a post?) as well as
a much earlier tranchet axe of Mesolithic
date, possibly kept and ceremoniously discarded?
While it is currently believed that the
primary focus of the site would have been
associated with agrarian field management
and control of domesticated livestock
(within a co-axial system of land division).
features with a semblance to funerary or
monumental structures (all of which are
indicative of the Middle Bronze Age) are
surprisingly absent. That said, excavations
continue at a steady rate and we are under
no doubt that we have only just started to
scratch the surface. Evaluation trenches to
d,ngtd,ro ft
hotd,ng, r s
✓ •
On 50n Double O,tch
Enclosur"e
the east of the existing site have revealed
the presence of enclosures. droveways.
pits and post holes representative of extensive
contemporary settlement. providing us
with the continuation of a landscape that
(spatially at least) never seems to end.
References
Pryor, fM.M., (1998) Farmers in
Prehistoric Britain, Stroud: Tempus Books
Acknowledgements
SWAT Archaeology would like to thank
Kitewood Estates for commissioning the
project. T hanks are also extended to
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Richard Cross, Archaeological Officer,
Canterbury City Council for his advice and
assistance. Finally, thanks are due to the
hard working site team who assisted the
author, namely: Julie Martin, James
Madden, Dan Quintain, Natasha Ransom,
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& Paul Wilkinson (Director SWAT
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3 lurumn 1003
THE ISLE OF THANET from prehistory to the Norman Conquest by
Gerald Moody, Deputy Director of the Trust for Thanet Archaeology.
Release date November 17th.
Review by Jan O'Hare - Isle of Thanec Archaeological Society:
This book is a 'must read' for any thinking person who lives in or knows
the Isle of Thanet. The story it tells of the Island's past. geologically and geographically,
as well as archaeologically and historically, shows real depth and
coherence despite inevitable gaps in current knowledge. Research drawn on
is as 'up to the minute' as possible. while reflections on the data show the
author's exceptionally comprehensive knowledge of both past, recent and
ongoing archaeological work and theories. Illustrations are plentiful and helpful,
and frequent use of relevant and original maps tie the archaeological evidence
closely to the ground. After reading the book. a drive around the island
is filled with new insights into the lives of our forebears and far greater understanding
of how we came to be here, travelling the roads and living in the
places we do today.
Although the book is intensely local and saturated with Thanet's earliest
history, the story built up in its pages has a much wider relevance. This is both
to the pivotal role Thanet has played in the history of Britain, and to the way
in which the interpretation of the wealth of information from Thanet can influence
or change the way we understand finds from elsewhere in Britain. So -
this intelligent book is more than just a 'must read' for locals - it is fascinating
reading for anyone intrigued by our country's history.
While the book embraces the latest digital techniques to analyse and
illustrate Thanet's landscape and finds, no book can be entirely comprehensive
in this fast moving age. A parallel website for the volume will be available
on www.thanetarch.co.uk, where, as well as hosting a forum for the discussion
of the themes in each chapter, updates and new information will be
added.
DISCOUNTED PURCHASE
The Isle of Thanet Archaeological Society has arranged for copies of
Thanet from Prehistory to the Norman Conquest to be available at the special
price of £13.50 (plus £2.75 p&p). Orders (cheque payable to the Isle of Thanet
4
Archaeological Society). from The Isle of Thanet Archaeological Society,
Crampton Tower Yard, High Street. Broadstairs, Kent. CT10 2AB. Limited stocks
are available at the discounted price. so orders should be made as soon as possible.
DISCOVERING ANCIENT LENHAM
Lenham Archaeological Society has just produced their next Journal issue
of Discovering Ancient Lenham. It is available at many shops in Lenham,
including the Library. Price is £3.50, good value considering many pictures are
in colour and the issue contains newly-discovered archaeology for the
Maidstone area (although most is within the parish of Lenham). The Journal is
also available from 2 Old School Close, Lenham ME17 2HD for £4.75, which
includes P&P. Cheques payable to Lenham Archaeological Society please.
If you did not purchase the first issue. both issues are on sale in the village for
the combined price of £5.00.
LOOSE AND LINTON - A PICTORIAL HISTORY
Loose Area History Society has published a limited edition of 250 copies
of Loose and Linton - a Pictorial History, first published in 2004. This 206 page
book features more than 500 photographs of people, places and events associated
with the history and heritage of Loose and Linton over a period of more
than one hundred years. Subjects covered include mills, farms and hop-gardens;
'upstairs, downstairs' at Linton Park; chapels, churches and schools;
trams, buses and industrial archaeology; and the villages' clubs, societies and
associations. Price: £16.
The 9th issue of the society's journal Loose Threads is also now available,
at £3.50. Contents include articles on the Turnpike Road from Maidstone to
Linton: recent archaeological discoveries at All Saints' Church, Loose: the
'Swallow Holes' of the Loose Valley; John Quested, Surveyor and Mapmaker;
and the centenary of Scouting in Loose.
Loose and Linton - a Pictorial
History and Loose Threads No. 9 are on
sale at Loose Post Office. For mail order
details visit the society's website
http://www.looseareahistorysociety.webeden.
co.uk
HINXHILL- A HISTORICAL GUIDE
able rentals and court books. Those
that have been transcribed are marked
in bold and cover the following years
1515, 1532, temp. Elizabeth I, 1604,
1621, 1631. 1638, 1653, 1672 and
1815. The rentals for 1515 and 1532
also include an introduction.
Published by the Wye Historical Society,
this 36 page, full colour booklet is the latest
in a series funded by the Local Heritage
Initiative. It concerns Hinxhill, a very small
village now linked with Wye administratively
and ecclesiastically, but with a distinct
history. Originating in early Saxon times as a
settlement on an island of first class arable
land no more than 150 hectares in extent
and surrounded by forest and boggy sloughs,
Hinxhill's past is traced through the Manor's
owners, its listed buildings and its church.
Loose and Linton
A pictorial history
The CD also contains a catalogue
of records for the Hundred of
Faversham. The catalogue covers 5692
original documents deposited in the
Centre for Kentish Studies, The
National Archives, Canterbury
Cathedral Archives and Lambeth
Palace Library. This provides the most
comprehensive index of the twenty
parishes (that is the 18 parishes listed
earlier together with Boughton under
Blean and Graveney) and involved the
monumental labour of searching every
page of the unofficial catalogues in the
Centre for Kentish Studies. The introduction
provides details of the scope of
this project and the records that are not
included.
The booklet is available from Dr C P
Burnham, 24 Chequers Park, Wye TN25 588.
Price is £6 (post-freel. Cheques payable to
Wye Historical Society please.
FAVERSHAM HUNDRED RENTALS
by Duncan Harrington and Patricia Hyde.
Volume 5. 12008) ISBN 978-09524563-1-5.
This publication on a CD offers, in some
cases for the very first time, a transcript of
certain rentals in the Hundred of
Faversham. The parishes covered by this study include Badlesmere, Buckland,
Davington, Eastling, Faversham, Goodnestone next Faversham, Harty,
Leaveland, Luddenham, Newnham, Norton. Oare, Ospringe, Preston next
Faversham, Sheldwich, Stalisfield, Stone next Faversham. and Throwley.
Included are two maps showing the hundred of Faversham. The records start
with a brief descent of the manor of Faversham, followed by a list of the avail-
KAS Library Accessions March - July 2008.
Revue Historique de Dunkerque et Littoral no 41.
English Place Names Society Journal Vol. 39 (2007).
Post Medieval Archaeology Vol. 41 p.1.
Records of Buckinghamshire Vol. 47 p.2. Vol. 48 (2008).
The Numismatic Chronicle Vol. 167 (2007).
Norfolk Archaeology Val.xiv p.2 (2007).
Surrey Archaeological Collections Vol. 93 (2007).
Bygone Kent. Vol. 29 nos. 2, 3, 4.
Hampshire Studies Vol. 62.
Historical Assessment and Survey of Old Buildings. R.A.C.Cockett. (KAS
Historic Buildings Committee).
Archaeologia Aeliana. Fifth series, Vol. Xxxv. (2008).
Historic Society of Lancashire and Chester Transactions. Vol. 150.
Jahreschicht Sachsen Anhalt Band 90 (2006).
Archaeometry Vol. 50 p.2, p.3, p.4.
Archaeologische Kronik van Suid-est Vlaandern Vol. Xiii (2007).
Before and After the Hurricane in and around Canterbury. Paul Crampton.
Early Medieval Glass Vessels found in Kent. Winifred Stephens.
Also on the CD is the name and
place index to The Faversham
Bibliography of Primary Sources. It is
hoped that this will not only highlight
the existence of these very useful
Faversham Papers but may also provide
additional detail of items found or not
to be found in the Catalogue of Faversham Hundred records. The CD together
with postage and packing in the UK and surface mail overseas will be £17.50.
The CD is dispatched in a DVD case and padded envelope.
Available from Duncan Harrington Ito whom cheque payable). L.H.G.,
F.S.A., F.S.G .. Ashton Lodge, Church Road, Lyminge, Folkestone, Kent CT18
8JA. Website: http://www.historyresearch.co.uk
Thurnham Parish Plan; Community, Continuity, and Change.
Derbyshire Archaeological Journal Vol.128.
Women in Kent. Alison Croswell. (CKS, KCC).
Woolhope Naturalist Club, Herefordshire, Transactions. Vol. 54 (2006).
Highstead near Chislet Kent; Excavations 1975-1977. Paul Bennett, Peter
Couldrey and Nigel Macpherson-Grant.
Seal; the History of a Parish.
Dictionary of Lake District Place Names. Diana Whaley.
Southern History. Vol.29. (2007).
Commodity of Good Names; Essays in Honour of Margaret Diellsing.
Names on Terra Sigillata. Vais. 1 and 2. U. of London.
Houses and Cottages of Britain. AW.Brunskill.
Traditional Buildings of Britain. AW.Brunskill
limber Buildings in Britain. AW.Brunskill.
Period House Fixtures and Fittings. Linda Hall.
Traditional Farm Buildings of Britain. AW.Brunskill.
The Early Town Books of Faversham c.1251 to 1581. Duncan Harrington
and Patricia Hyde.
The Archaeology of Kent to AD800. Ed. John H. Williams.
5
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
KAS EVENTS
KAS HISTORIC BUILDINGS COMMITTEE
Historic Buildings Conference
Saturday 1B October, 9.30am for 10am, until 4pm.
Lenham Community Centre, Groom Way, Lenham ME17 20T. £10 admission,
including refreshments (but not lunch). Pay at the door.
Illustrated talks by:
Andrew Linklater (Canterbury Archaeological Trust): Kentish Rock - An
Examination of Kent's Natural Resources.
Charles Brooking (creator of the Brooking Collection of architectural features):
The Window of Time - Dating by Detait.
Jane Davidson (of House Historians): Following the Sources - Some Examples
of House Histories.
There will also be a guided tour of Lenham Church. Lunch available.
KAS Historic Buildings Conference
KAS CHRISTMAS BUFFET LUNCH
Saturday 29 November
Following many requests we are returning to the Banqueting Suite at the Hop
Farm, Paddock Wood for a lunch during the Christmas season. A buffet menu
has been chosen to encourage members to circulate and meet more people,
rather than be confined to set tables. The 'spoilt for choice' menu offers both
a hot and cold selection
Members may bring their own work for sale or display and are free to tour the
site's museum and attractions in the afternoon. There is ample parking on
site and a chair lift on the staircase.
Cost is £21.00 per person. A booking form is included in this Newsletter.
Please reply by 15 November with SAE and cheque payable to 'Kent
Archaeological Society', to Margaret Lawrence, Barnfield, Church Lane, East
Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5JJ. Further details on 01622 871945 or
p.lawrence.801@btinternet.com.
EVENTS AROUND KENT
Bexley Archaeological Group Talks
The Group hold their monthly talks and meetings at Bexley-Sidcup Conservative
Club, 19 Station Road, (entrance via Stanhope Road), Sidcup DA 15 7EB.
Thursday 13 November Bpm.
The Work of the Heritage Conservation Group & Recent Discoveries in Kent
Andrew Mayfield - Historic Environment Records Officer for Kent.
For further information contact Martin Baker, Chairman, 020 7300 1752
Saturday 15 November 10am - 4pm
Non-Ceramics workshop by Geoff Egan, who is a specialist in Medieval and
Later Finds for the Museum of London Archaeological Services
For further information contact Pip Pulfer - pipspad@hotmail.co.uk
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Tonbridge Historical Society
PROGRAMME 200B- 2009
During the autumn and winter the Historical Society provides lectures (usually
illustrated} by speakers who are experts in their field. The lectures are usually
held in the Medway Room, The Angel Centre, Tonbridge. In the summer,
outings are arranged to places of historical interest. We try to include local
houses which are not normally open to the public.
Saturday B November 2.30pm
'The Completest Medieval Town in England' - Sandwich in the Middle Ages
Sarah Pearson & Helen Clarke. Two presentations with a tea interval.
Booking is necessary - details from the Secretary, Shiela Broomfield on
01732 838698.
Thursday 11 December 7.45pm
A Country House Christmas Pat Mortlock
l11tun111 2 6
Thursday B January 7.45pm
Plays & Players in Medieval & Early Modern Kent Dr James Gibson
Thursday 12 February 7.45pm
Recent Archaeological Work Gary Brown, PreConstruct Archaeology
Thursday 12 March 7.45pm
Westenhanger Castle Terry Whitling
Thursday 9 April 7.30pm
AGM followed by A Close Look at Old Tonbridge Pat Hopcroft & Anthony
Wilson
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Loose Area History Society
Monday 10 November
One hundred years of Scouting in Loose presentation by the Scout management
team
Monday B December
Puppets, piers and pantomime Alan Stockwell
Unless otherwise stated all meetings are held at Loose Infant School Hall, and
start at 7.30 pm. Admission: £2.50. Pay at the door. More details on 01622
741198
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Crayford Manor House Historical & Archaeological Society
TALKS 200B/2009
Saturday B November
The History of British Broadcasting - 30 years of radio broadcasting from
1922, with voices, comedy, music, events, wartime memories Don Dray
Saturday 13 December
Christmas with Dickens - a programme of dramatic readings and seasonal
stories Gerald Dickens (great-great-grandson of Charles). Preceded by finger
buffet & wine - tickets £8 for non-members.
Saturday 10 January
Idea to Item - History of silversmithing from 1238 - present including hallmarking
& formation of silversmiths company Alan Moore
Saturday 14 February
Stuart London - the expansion of London westwards in the 17th century, the
disasters which befell it and the new institutions which developed Ian Bevan
Saturday 14 March
History of the English Country House, 1600-Edwardian John Vigar
Saturday 1B April
AGM and President's Lecture
All talks held in The Baker Trust Hall, Crayford at 7.30pm. Non-members
are welcome to attend at a fee of £2.00 per lecture, except December which
is £8.
Enquiries to Mrs J Hearn-Gillham: 01322 551279.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Council for Kentish Archaeology Conference
ROMAN DISCOVERIES IN KENT AND LONDON
Saturday 25 October
Powell Lecture Theatre, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes
Road, Canterbury
The Early Roman Cemetery at Toi/gate, near Gravesend Tim Allen, Oxford
Archaeology
The Hoard of Roman Metal Vessels found in a well at Drapers Gardens Neil
Hawkins, Pre-construct Archaeology
Roman Canterbury Paul Bennett, Canterbury Archaeological Trust
Tickets £4.00 available from CKA, Sandy Ridge, Borough Green, Kent TN15
BHP. Please enclose S.A.E. Further information can be found at www.thecka.
fsnet.co.uk, or email davru58-aeol@yahoo.co.uk, or tel: 0208 777 7872 or
01732 884059.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
COURSES
BIRKBECK COLLEGE - Faculty of Lifelong Learning
Archaeology Courses 2008 - 2009
We offer a number of courses under the following awards:
• Archaeology (MA)
• Ancient Near Eastern and Aegean Studies (Certificate of Higher
Education)
• Archaeological Practice and Techniques (Certificate of Higher Education)
• Archaeology (Certificate of Higher Education)
• Egyptology (Certificate of Higher Education)
• The Archaeology of Britain (Certificate of Higher Education)
• Archaeological Walks in London
• Archaeology (Five-Day Practical Courses)
• Archaeology (Summer Training Excavation)
• Archaeology and Egyptology (Short Courses and Weekend Events)
Also at Birkbeck:
Industrial Archaeology Study Day
Saturday 21 March 10am-5pm £40/£20 concession
This study day will enable students to explore Britain's industrial heritage by
looking at a number of topics including materials, energy, transport and industrial
architecture. Full programme will be available nearer the date. For more
information please contact the Executive Officer for Archaeology on: 020
7631 6627 or email:archaeology@fce.bbk.ac.uk.
You can also find full details about courses at
http:// www.bbk.ac.uk/study/all_courses/archaeology.html
For a 2008-09 Archaeology or Egyptology Full Course Prospectus ring 020
7631 6627.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
EGYPTOLOGY with Frances Williams
For University of Kent courses, contact details are given in listings. For all
other courses/study days/tours, please contact Frances Williams on
fwipetiset@hotmail.com; 25 Orchard Way, Horsmonden TNl 2 BLA; tel. 01892
723013 or 07789 661 616.
Ancient Egyptian Art and Symbolism
October 9 for 20 weeks. Tonbridge, 2-4pm.
Contact University Centre, Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge, TN9 lTG.
Early Dynastic Egypt and the Levant
October 21 for 6 weeks. Canterbury 2-4pm. £55.
Hieroglyph workshop - Karnak inscriptions
Oct 21 for 6 weeks. Canterbury 7-9pm; suitable for students with some experience
studying hieroglyphs. £55.
Early Dynastic Egypt and the Levant
October 23 for 6 weeks Tonbridge 1 Oam-12pm. £55.
Deir el-Medina - daily life in ancient Egypt
January 13 for 6 weeks. Canterbury 2-4pm.
Hieroglyph workshop
January 13 for 6 weeks. Canterbury 7-9pm. Details to be announced.
Deir al-Medina - daily life in ancient Egypt
January 15 for 6 weeks. Tonbridge 1 Oam-12pm. Venue to be announced.
Ancient Egyptian Glass and Faience
March 3 for 6 weeks. Canterbury 2-4pm.
Hieroglyph workshop
March 3 for 6 weeks. Canterbury 7-9pm. Details to be announced.
Ancient Egyptian Glass and Faience
March 5 for 6 weeks. Tonbridge 10-12. Venue to be announced.
Dynasty 25 - the Nubian Pharaohs
May 12 for 6 weeks. Canterbury 2-4pm.
Hieroglyph workshop
May 12 for 6 weeks Canterbury 7-9pm. Details to be announced.
Dynasty 25 and the Nubian Pharaohs
May 14 for 6 weeks. Tonbridge 1 Oam-12pm. Venue to be announced.
Decoding Ancient Egyptian Art - an introduction to the conventions
and use of symbolism
On 3 linked Mondays - June 22. June 29 & July 6. Canterbury 11 am-4pm.
STUDY DAYS
Learn to read Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs
June 6 - Day school at University of Kent campus. Canterbury. A user-friendly
study day designed for anyone who would like to begin to read hieroglyphs.
Contact V.J.Woolnough@kent.ac.uk
Before Giza: the predynastic archaeology of Early Egypt
June 20 - Day school at University of Kent Tonbridge Centre. Contact
V.J.Woolnough@kent.ac.uk.
STUDY TOURS TO EGYPT
Time Travellers' 09 Study Tour to Luxor - exploring a sacred landscape;
April 20 - 27. Travel arrangements by Bales Worldwide. Seminars
and site visits including temples of Luxor and Karnak. Valley of the Kings. Deir
el-Bahri. tombs of the Nobles and Deir el-Medina; accompanied throughout
by Frances Williams and Amr el-Helly.
Time Travellers' 09 Tour to Egypt for the more experienced traveller;
details to be announced; accompanied throughout by Frances Williams and
Amr el-Helly; provisional dates October 20-27.
(Please note that it may be necessary to alter details as indicated above.)
SAGA
SPECIAL INTEREST ARCHAEOLOGY HOST
Saga Holidays is the leading name for people
aged 50 and over, offering a wide range of
holidays. Our customers travel to every corner
of the globe, and we are constantly developing
new holiday ideas to meet the challenging
moods and needs of our travellers.
We are looking to recruit Archaeology
Hosts for our Europe and UK Special Interest
Programme, starting in Spring 2009.
Applicants will have expert knowledge of
archaeology and possess the relevant qualifications.
They will also have excellent communication,
leadership and presentation skills.
Duties will include conducting lectures,
socialising with customers and working
closely with the Holiday Representative.
If you have the desire to share your passion
for archaeology with our customers, please
contact Helen Robinson by email on
helen.robinson@saga.co.uk.
7
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Many thanks for your patience in helping to sort out some of the problems with standing orders. I am hopeful that these will have
been sorted by the time the new subscriptions come through in January 2009. Please check your statements carefully and let me
know of any ongoing problems. A few banks are still paying subscriptions monthly instead of annually. . .
Please remember that you need to show your membership card if you wish to use the KAS Library. If you have m1sla1d yours
send me a short n_ote and stamped addressed envelope so that I can send you a replacement. . . .
We are planning to hold another 'Introduction to new members' morning soon and those of you who have Joined since 2006
will receive an invitation to this useful session. Please try and attend as it should help you to make full _use of your membership.
The address for all correspondence relating to membership is Mrs Shiela Broomfield, KAS Membership, 8 Woodv1ew Crescent.
Hildenborough, To nbridge, Kent TN11 9HD. Tel: 01732 838698.
Email: membership@kentarchaeology.org.uk or s.broomfield@dial.pipex.com.
We are pleased to welcome the following new members:
Junior Members:
Miss K Westlake,
Mr A Williamson,
Bayleys Hill. Sevenoaks
Strood, Rochester
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE
Joint Members
THE HON. GENERAL SECRETARY?
Staplehurst
The Council is seeking a candidate for appointment as Hon.
Mr & Mrs N Butler,
Mr S Hawthorne &
Miss M Greenaway,
Mr & Mrs A Weston,
Kennington, Ashford
Boughton Lees, Ashford
General Secretary to succeed Andrew Moffat when he retires.
The Hon. General Secretary is an Officer of the Society and
the office is not paid but most expenses are reimbursed. It offers
an excellent opportunity to be involved in most aspects of the
Society's work and to know what is going on in many spheres of
archaeology and local history in the County and beyond.
Ordinary Members
Mrs A Broadley,
Mr DJ Cook,
Ms S Dutnell,
Ms B Gillow,
Mrs E Gould,
Affiliated Society
Broad Oak, Canterbury
South Darenth. Dartford
Whitstable
lghtham Mote, Sevenoaks
Tonbridge
If you are interested or would just like more information
please contact him on (01474) 822280 or email
secretary@kentarchaeology.org.uk. If you prefer you may contact
the President on (01227) 860207.
Folkestone People's History Centre
ARCHAEOLOGIA CANTIANA • THE FUTURE
Aln the spring 2008 Newsletter, Society members
were invited to send in their views to a
small team, established to review the future
of Archaeologia Cantiana (AC) - its size. format.
content etc ...
We are pleased to report that a reasonable
number of members replied and these replies have
been much appreciated. The Review Team
(Elizabeth Edwards. Kate Kersey, Terry Lawson and
Chris Pout) have now considered all the replies and
have reached the following conclusions.
Above all, it seems clear that the majority of
members who replied wish the Society to continue
to publish AC in its current form - i.e at the same
page size and with the blue hardback cover. Over
80% of the respondents expressed their wish that
this should be the case.
A few members requested investigation of an
alternative format, for example an A4 page size and
a sohback cover. We could investigate the possi-
8
bility of producing AC in such a form for those members
that would prefer it. However, for the few
copies required this seems likely to be a rather
expensive option.
Many respondents expressed their satisfaction
with the • 150th anniversary' issue of the DVD of
back copies of AC from 1858 to the recent past. We
suggest that it should be possible to repeat this
process on a regular basis, with each DVD
perhaps covering 10 past years. This conclusion has
been passed to the Publications Committee
(who will obviously need to be sure. in due course,
that the DVD format is still the most appropriate
technology).
A few members suggested that some of the
more detailed information in articles in AC could be
put out in 'electronic' form - perhaps on the Society
website or as an enclosed CD or DVD. The latter
options could be difficult and expensive. It is therefore
proposed that. as an experiment. some of the
more detailed archaeological reports submitted for
the 2009 volume will be placed on the Soci ety's
website with authors invited to submit a summary
for the actual publication. We hope that members
will send in their reactions to this experiment in due
course.
A few members asked if coloured illustrations
could be included. This is. of course. expensive, but
will be considered where appropriate.
Finally, none of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction
with the balance of the contents. We
are aware that our membership spans a wide range
of particular interests and that, therefore. not all of
the articles will be of interest to everyone. It would
appear that successive editors have been highly
successful in balancing these interests.
The Review team would like to thank all those
members who contributed to the review and hope
that you will understand that it has not been possible
to reply individually to each of you.
KNOW YOUR KAS; ITS R ESOURCES AND HOW TO USE THEM
A study morning for new and not-so-new KAS members
Saturday November 1st 10am - 1pm in the KAS library
The object of this informal study and discussion meeting will be to familiarize new and not-so-new members with the organisation. activities and
resources of the Society. so that they may be better able to draw on the Society's resources in the pursuit of their own interests in History and
Archaeology, and in so doing. contribute to the work and standing of the Society.
Talks by Officers and other prominent members of the Society will include a short account of its history, its present administrative set-up; activities
and aims of the various committees and groups; resources of the Library; use of IT and the Societies websites; artefacts and finds. documentary,
manuscript and visual records owned by the Society; and the place of the Society in county, national and European historical and archaeological
studies and work.
New and not-so-new members wishing to attend this meeting please register with Or. Frank Panton. Hon Librarian KAS. Maidstone Museum . St.
Faiths Street. Maidstone. Kent ME14 1 LH. email grovend@uwclub.net. or ring 01795 472218.
COMMITTEE ROUND-UP
KAS MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
VISIT TO BOXLEY ABBEY
The Committee continued its series of visits to historic buildings with a trip
to Boxley Abbey on the afternoon of Saturday. 19 July. It is an indication of the
interest in the once-famous Abbey of St Mary that some 65 KAS members
attended. The group examined the great barn and other standing remains of the
abbey, which was founded by the Cistercians in 1146. During the tour around
the grounds. Joy Saynor. David Carder and Deborah Goacher provided an informative
commentary on various aspects of the abbey.
There have been several archaeological investigations at Boxley Abbey over
the years. In 1971-2 the KAS undertook a programme of excavation with the aim
of establishing the general plan of the church and cloisters. At that time.
despite only a limited amount of excavation of the remains being possible, it
was established that the plan of the church was similar to three other Cistercian
abbeys founded in the mid 12th Century: Fountains. Kirkstall and Rievaulx.
There is a very interesting article on the findings of these excavations by P.J.
Tester F.S.A. in Archaeologia Cantiana Vol. 88 1973.
The church had contained the celebrated Rood of Grace. a cross with an
image of Christ that was supposed to be gifted with movement and speech. and
the image of St. Rumwold. also deemed to have miraculous powers. They were
denounced as fakes at the time of the Dissolution. After the dissolution of
Boxley Abbey in 1538, the west range of abbey buildings was converted
into a dwelling house. and the church and east range were wholly or partly
demolished.
The great barn is believed to have been built c. 1280. Like most old buildings,
it was subject to many repairs and modifications over the centuries. In the
Statutory List maintained by English Heritage the barn is referred to as the
abbey hospitium. ie. a guest-house. That could have been the purpose of the
building at one time. particularly bearing in mind that many pilgrims would have
visited the abbey. However. there is no doubt that the Cistercians. an order
renowned for agricultural enterprise. did use the magnificent stone building as
a barn. Some KAS members will have seen it across the fields when travelling
on the M20 motorway.
Thanks go to Joy Saynor for organising once again a very enjoyable visit,
and to David Carder and Deborah Goacher for assisting Joy in providing an
insight into the history and architecture of this fascinating abbey.
Most importantly, thanks also go to the Best-Shaw family for so generously
permitting the group - particularly such a large one - to visit the Abbey. This
was a continuation of the tradition of hospitality shown to KAS members at
Boxley Abbey. Almost 107 years before in 1901. at the invitation of Major Best.
"On Wednesday, 31 st of July, a large party started early to see the interesting
excavations made at Boxley Abbey . .. ". Afterwards the 1901 party went in carriages
to Sutton Valence and East Sutton Place. and finally on to see East Sutton
Church. Coincidentally, the KAS Churches Committee arranged a visit to the
same parish church in June 2008.
Plus fa change ...
Angela Davies
KAS CHURCHES COMMITTEE
STUDY DAY - RELIGIOUS HOUSES IN MEDIEVAL CANTERBURY
This absorbing and well attended study day in June was held jointly by the
KAS and Canterbury Christ Church University, organised by KAS Council Member
continued on page 10
9 '""""' 1008 /'
continued from page 9
Dr Sheila Sweetinburgh.
In the morning, three lectures took place in the Ramsey Lecture Theatre at
Christ Church. Dr Louise Wilkinson. from the University's history department. set
the context with a talk that addressed the place of the church in medieval society
and the fluctuating fortunes of monasticism from the Anglo-Saxon period to
the great 12th century revival.
Aher coffee. Alison Hicks and Dr Sweetinburgh gave lectures drawing on the
fruits of archaeological explorations of two particular Canterbury monastic institutions.
Alison Hicks spoke about the Whitefriars excavations. carried out
between 1999-2007, in which she was involved with Canterbury Archaeological
Trust. Dr Sweetinburgh then spoke about St Gregory's Priory, drawing on the
work of Alison Hicks and others involved in the excavations.
Following lunch. those attending split into groups to visit the sites of four of
Canterbury's medieval monastic institutions. The expert guides were Dr
Sweetinburgh at St John's Hospital. Margaret Sparks at Christchurch Cathedral
Priory, Meriel Connor at the Greyfriars and Paul Bennett at St Augustine's Abbey.
So ended what was an informative day with some distinguished speakers.
VISIT TO EAST SUTTON AND ULCOMBE
Thirty two people attended the evening June visit to St Peter and St Paul.
East Sutton and All Saints, Ulcombe. Both churches are situated along the
Ragstone Range overlooking the Weald of Kent.
Mr Robert Argles gave the talk at St Peter and St Paul, where he Is churchwarden.
Although a small country church there was much of interest to investigate.
These include a 13th century font and a Jacobean pulpit The church was
all but complete in the 14th century and has seen times of great turmoil. There
are even marks of the bullet that was fired at the manor house by Cromwell's soldiers.
There are many monuments to the Filmer family including a very fine brass
reputed to be the most remarkable family portrait in Kent. Mr Philip Lawrence,
Chairman of the Churches Committee, shared his knowledge of the piece with
those attending.
We then made the short drive along the Range to All Saints Ulcombe where
Mrs Molly Poulter and her band of helpers were waiting to greet us. All Saints is
a surprisingly large church for a small village and this is explained by the fact that
Archbishop Stephen Langton established a College of Priests here in 1213. The
five misericords with carvings on their undersides have links with
the five priests of the College. The church has some fine wall paintings, two can
be found in the south aisle, one in the nave, one in the Lady Chapel and one on
the north wall of the Sanctuary. Like East Sutton, All Saints has some fine
brasses that are well covered for their protection. Another interesting feature o f
All Saints are the Yews in the churchyard. One i s known a s the O l d Yew,
35 feet round the trunk and the other is known as the Young Yew, whose
trunk is only 26 feet. We were provided with refreshments by the ladies at
Ulcombe aher our tour.
Jackie Davidson
Notes from the archive
Mr Leland L. Duncan F.S.A. and The Rev. Frederic John Hammond
The Kent Archaeological Society has a Library
Archive where the papers of former members
have been deposited over the years for safekeeping.
The Honorary Librarian. Professor Panton.
has instigated a survey of the archive in order to gain
a more detailed understanding of the holdings.
The first box to be surveyed contains. among
other things, the research notes of Leland Lewis
Duncan. M.V.O.. O.B.E.. F.S.A. a well-known
Lewisham based antiquarian and author. He was
born on the 24th of August 1862 and died on the 26th
of December 1923. He combined a career in the War
Office with a passion for history and archaeology,
especially the study of Kent, and he produced a large
number of well received publications.
One group of papers relates to a book Leland L.
Duncan never completed. Its topic would have been
the history of the Parish of AIIHallows. lor All
Hallows), Hoo near Rochester. The papers include a
sketch for the content of a book on the Parish of
Allhallows and a drah for a first chapter. A quantity of
notes and transcripts for the proposed work are also
preserved. Among the papers are a number of letters
from a friend of Leland L. Duncan, which open a window
on his social world and a friendship that provided
a background for these antiquarian activities.
The letters are from The Rev. Frederic John
Hammond, the vicar of AIIHallows between 1900 and
1927. The correspondence dates from 1905 to around
1915 and relates to researches into the history of
Allhallows, Hoo. The Rev. Hammond was born in
Aylesford and educated at Merchant Taylors' School
and Kings College London. He was an author in his
own right and published several books, among them
"A Country Parson" and "The Starvelings".
The letters show him seeking out and copying
JO
registers for Leland Duncan as well as giving a
glimpse of his life. In April 1905 he is busily at work:
"My Dear Duncan
I am sending you the remainder of the Baptisms.
Unfortunately I ran right out of Foolscap and so had
TOP: All Hallows about 1898.
BOTTOM: Interior before restoration.
to crowd the last two pages and write on the back
of one - I am going to Rochester on Monday and
will get in some more and then start on the
marriages .. . . ..
The Rev. Hammond found the Churchwarden's
accounts and the Overseers' accounts for the Church,
which contain entries dating back to 1555. He made
sure these were well cared for and communicated his
activities to Leland L. Duncan. The letters contain references
to the restorations of Allhallows church in
1897 and the early 1900s. The restoration project
was a source of worry and pride for the Rev.
Hammond. He frequently consulted Leland L. Duncan
during these works.
A number of photographs of the Church from
1898 are included in a letter showing both outside
and inside views of the church as it was then. He also
sent sketches of masonry, rubbings of inscriptions and
reports on the activities surrounding the restoration.
Evidence of his enthusiasm is also to be found in the
Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre where
they have a fragile photo album compiled by him
recording the fabric of the church.
Leland L. Duncan died in 1923, without completing
the planned book on Allhallows Parish. The Rev.
Hammond subsequently went on to write "The Story
of an Outpost Parish, AIIHallows. Hoo. Kent" !London,
1928). It was a more modest work than the one they
had intended. He dedicated it to the Memory of
Leland L. Duncan and wrote in the preface how they
had worked together for 21 years on the project. The
review in Archaeologia Cantiana IVol. Xlll, 1930) was
not overflowing with enthusiasm although the Rev.
Hammond was praised for rescuing the Church
Accounts. However, it was the product of a longstanding
friendship and communicates his enthusiasm
and love for his Parish. The Rev. Hammond's letters
are now a source for the antiquarian activities of
that period, especially those of Leland L. Duncan, and
records the distinct voice of a dedicated amateur who
did his best to look aher the heritage of his Parish.
Watling Street Construction Album
at the Centre for Kentish Studies
The CKS has recently been successful with a bid at an auction in
Devon for a selection of items relating to the Watling Street
Construction. This covers the Dartford Southern By-pass and the
Dartford - Strood section of the A2 started in 1921 and opened by
the Prince of Wales in 1924.
The main item of the collection is an album with 111 fascinating
photographs taken during the construction of the 11 mile road of
various sites along the way e.g. Old Toll Gate Inn; Field Cottages from
North Clay; Thong Lane Cut; Old Road and Saw Mill Yard, Cobham
Woods; Three Crutches looking East. All the photos have a line of
description beneath them and most are dated. The photos also show:
• 'The bed of the old Roman road'
• 'Potter's kilns at Springhead and at Northumberland Bottom'
• 'A Samian vessel and other pottery'
• 'A Roman burial'
• 'A Celtic burial'
With the album there is:
• a linen backed, fold-out map of the length of the road, scale: 2 inches to
1 mile
• an official brochure/programme of events for the opening
• an invitation for E.O. Blunden, who is marked on an official group photo,
taken outside the 'Ministry of Transport. Roads Dept. Northern Division'. No
address of the location is visible.
The album appears to be the Ministry's official record of the construction.
This collection ties in with a set of glass negatives which were
taken by the Rev. Thomas Harrison that is in the collections at CKS.
The glass negatives add to the views, including Pepper Hill;
Wrotham Road, Gravesend; and images of the Prince of Wales opening
the road and inspecting the guards. Together the collections
make a good illustrative record of the development of an area.
To make an appointment to view CKS collections, phone 01622
ABOVE: 'St Thomas' Well, Cobham Woods'.
LEFT: 'Bed of old Roman Road, April 1922'.
696197. The album is still uncatalogued at present, but anyone who
would like to view it should ask to speak to Hilary Streeter or to
Debbie Saunders when booking an appointment. They can ensure
that the album is available for the visit.
A run of Archaeologia Cantiana from 1975 to
the present is available to anyone who can give
them a good home. There would be no charge.
If anyone is interested please contact Michael
Zell on m.l.zell@greenwich.ac.uk or phone
0208 467 8545.
11 11111111111 2008 •
THE SNODLAND ROMANO
The remains of the Romano-British
villa at Snodland are situated on the
west bank of the River Medway,
overlooking the valley floodplains to the
east. This site is now a Scheduled Ancient
Monument and has been known about for
over a hundred years, although in recent
times the Church Field residential estate
has been constructed over the footprint of
the older Romano-British activity. Prior to
this development however, a number of
separate archaeological excavations had
taken place, together revealing a substantial
complex of buildings, including the
central villa, with ranges, floors, wall
plaster and hypocaust remains, as well as
a number of outbuildings and other associated
archaeological features. In
September 2006 geotechnical investigations
were carried out on an adjacent
sports field to the northwest, which
revealed an important Romano-British
coin hoard, comprising approximately
3,600 mid-4th century bronze coins (KAS
Newsletter Winter 2006/7).
In advance of further development,
Archaeology South-East was commissioned
by CgMs Consulting on behalf of
Smurfit Kappa UK to undertake archaeological
excavations across the proposed
site. During the course of this work,
extensive and previously unrecorded
Romano-British deposits were uncovered,
including the partially exposed remains of
a building. This structure consisted of a
minimum of five rooms, possibly orientated
around an open courtyard area.
However, its foundation trenches continued
to the east, well beyond the designated
area of excavation, where they
would almost certainly have been
destroyed by modern services, and the
course of the railway line. The depth of
the surviving footings, combined with the
plentiful remains of Romano-British tile
would suggest that the building once
comprised a single storey structure, complete
with tiled roof. In spatial terms. this
building would have been located less
than 100 metres away from the centre of
the main villa complex, whilst datable
artefacts connected with the upstanding
life of the structure suggest it once
formed a contemporary and integral part
of the broader 2nd-4th century Romano-
12
•BRITISH VILLA COMPLEX
OPPOSITE: Building wall line and mortared structure.
ABOVE: Block lifting the cremation.
BELOW Skeleton in the tile-lined grave.
British estate. Conversely, the archaeological
evidence indicated a comprehensive
phase of demolition having taken
place during the Romano-British period
itself. Given the relatively good survival of
structural elements from earlier excavations
on the main site to the southeast, it
seems likely that this building was deliberately
robbed of its materials, and that
its component flint. ragstone and tile
were used for construction elsewhere on
the estate.
The surrounding grounds seem to have
been delineated by a large enclosure ditch
and within this area a number of notable
features were recorded, including postholes
and pits, a cremation. a pond and a
substantial preserved chalk footing
adjoining the building, probably on the
same alignment as one of its gable ends.
If so, a good sized wall may have once
existed. thereby marking some form of
garden boundary. Beyond the enclosure
ditch to the west more pits and gullies
were recorded, indicating farming and
small scale industrial activity as well as
a number of geometrically orientated
ditches, indicative of a Romano-British
field system.
To the south of the building, close to
the excavated coin hoard, and defined
within a network of intercutting ditches.
four articulated human burials were
revealed. Two of these graves contained
almost complete Romano-British pots.
The burials themselves were not orientated
east to west, and the presence of
ceramic grave goods with the bodies is
indicative of pre-Christian burial traditions.
Interestingly, the skeletons were
located directly beneath what, until
recently, had been changing room facilities
and a boxing club. Two small baby
skeletons were also identified within a
specific room in the building, one of which
had been placed on a complete piece of
Roman roofing tile known as tegula. In
Romano-British times, babies were often
buried beneath or close to kitchens, thus
providing a possible indication of the
buildings function. Another human burial
was recorded close by, buried in a grave
partly lined with large pieces of RomanoBritish
tile.
A broad number of finds were
retrieved from the site. including
brooches, rings, hairpins, tweezers,
beads. glass and coins, as well as the
more ubiquitous ceramic, bone. and iron
material. Many of the finds are dated to
the 3rd and 4th centuries, although some
signs of earlier activity have been recorded.
most notably a copper alloy La Tene
Brooch, of Late Iron Age to 1 st century origin.
as well as two Colchester two-piece
brooches dating to the 1 st century. The
coin hoard has been dated to the mid-4th
century, and was recovered from a ditch
that had been backfilled late in the site's
development, evidently no longer in use.
Therefore, it seems likely that the burial of
these coins points to the final stages of
the Romano-British occupation of the
Snodland villa.
Clive Meaton
Archaeology South-East
EAST LENHAM MOATED MAN
We know
from histories
that
East Lenham was
once a parsonage.
Perhaps we now have
evidence of an ecclesiastica
I house or -
chapel on Stack Platt
(as the plateau within
the horseshoe of the
past moat is now
known), based on the
evidence of finds in a
garderobe. These
were made in a dig in
April 2008, which
finally gave up
secrets about the
Tudor, and earlier,
manor house.
From the small
drawing of the house
on William Boycott's 1660 map it
appears that the house had four
floors. The accuracy of the map,
with the moat and fields all
drawn as they are still, would
suggest that he may have drawn
the house exactly as it was.
the same (Stained
Glass of the Middle
Ages, Saint and
Arnold, p 232). The
rectangular shape of
our piece of glass
suggests it was more
likely from a house
than a chapel, a fact
confirmed by Leone
Selinger.
A piece of glazed
medieval tile had similar
glazing to the
tiles found on the
13th century chapel
site at Royton (1 mile
south of East Lenham,
see LAS Journal vol
1 ). A local archaeologist
has since confirmed
findings of
identical tiles from a
building site in Gharing, close to
the medieval Archbishop's Palace.
Also in the garderobe were
two late-16th century Venetian
tazze. One has a beautiful latissimo
twisted design of white
opaque glass in the stem. There
are 34 strands of white glass with
four finer strands between them.
The floor of the bowl has 17 raised
white glass applied lines. No
pieces of the actual upper bowl
were found, only its flat floor, so it
could have been rather like a cake
stand than a cupped glass.
Restricting the stem are two
bands of greyish glass that have
been applied over the latissimo
glass. The bottom of the base has
been neatly folded in to form a
rim.
A wall located in 2007 was
uncovered again in our first 2008
trench. It was tracked in a westerly
direction but a mass of yellowish
clay indicated it had been
robbed out and backfilled at some
point. We persisted and dug
another trench 3m further along.
Although any structure of the
brick wall was absent we did find
the garderobe. It was 70cm x
80cm in size and 70cm deep, the
base being chalky clay/hill-wash.
There was no evidence of any
drain into the lake, but at that
level water was seeping in from
the water table. ABOVE- Garderobe after the soil had been removed to hillwash natural.
The other tazze had horizontal
bands of white glass on the bowl
with diagonal lines between. then
4 or 5 rows of neatly cut, an intricate cut design crossing
smoothly finished chalk blocks BELOW William Boycotts 1660 map.
were revealed. The top layers had
a 'glazed' deposit of brown excrement (at
first mistaken for painted plaster!).
Dispersed within the soil of the garderobe
were various pieces of glass. The first
found was a piece of window glass with a
painting of a bishop (or archbishop) with a
Au1um1 ! 14
halo around his head. This was identified
as 15th century by Leone Selinger of
Canterbury Cathedral Glass Studio. The
image is very like one of an Archbishop on
a piece of 15th century glass found in
Canterbury, the mitre design being exactly
these to make a lattice diamond
design. Also found were four 16th
century green glass bottles of thin (1 mm)
glass. with spiral fluting around the necks.
Amongst these glass finds were some 50
pieces of bone, including rabbit, pigeon.
chicken. carp, flatfish, duck and rat and
many oyster shells.
1R: FINDS FROM THE GARDEROBE
ABOVE LEFT: Late 16th century Venetian tazze.
ABOVE CENTRE: Painted window glass
depicting a bishop, & RIGHT: similar design
from Canterbury.
It is now evident that the house was a
high status Manor house (possibly with
ecclesiastical connections). judging by the
items found in the garderobe! The chalk
blocks probably extended up the side of the
house for four floors (if William Boycott's
drawing of 1660 is accurate). One can
invent a mental picture of celebrations and
feasting (room service in the solar) and the
broken glasses and refuse being thrown
down the long drop.
If the garderobe was on the south
east corner of the house (our best guess
from results so far). then next year we
may try to locate the north east corner in
the area beyond the present farm track,
where we have not yet excavated.
Lesley Feakes
Lenham Archaeological Group
Dear Editor
Re: The Society Then and Now.
I am currently doing a detailed audit of the holdings in the Library's
Marsham Street Store. In the process of this I have come across a lovely
News item from the Chatham and Rochester News on the 1 st of
August 1903 regarding the annual meeting of the Kent Archaeological
Society in Rochester. As we look back on the events of this summer it
is interesting to look back on that summer in the history of the Society
and reflect on how much has changed. I have chosen a couple of little
snippets to give you a flavour of this event.
" On Monday and Tuesday this society, after an absence of seventeen
years, again held its annual gathering in the ancient city of Rochester,
from which, on the second day, it made excursions into various parts of
the Hundred of Hoo to inspect several ancient churches and Cooling
Castle. Although the unsettled state of the weather caused the
attendance to be below the average on these annual occasions, yet on
Monday morning, at the preliminary meeting in the Guildhall (a building
of more than ordinary interest) at Rochester, for the despatch of
business, there was a great gathering. The President, the Rt. Hon. Earl
Stanhope, Lord Lieutenant of the County, occupied the chair, supported
by the Vice-Presidents and members of the Council, together with the
officers of the Society.
Tuesday's Proceedings were of a character which attracted a very
large number of the members of the Society, including many ladies,
notwithstanding that the weather forecast was the reverse of
promising. Rain commenced even before the start, and continued,
with only brief intervals of sunshine, during the whole day, getting
worse as the day advanced. The party arriving by up or down trains,
were met at the Chatham, Rochester and Strood railway stations,
and others at the hotels of the city, by carriages -four four-horse
char-a-bancs and brakes, and one pair-horse waggonette; these
were joined by a motor car and several private carriages, including
that of the Earl of Darnley."
In the pouring rain they then proceeded to visit Cliffe-At-Hoo Church,
Cooling Castle, High Halstow Church, Stoke Church and Hoo St.
Werburgh, where a series of enthusiastic Vicars provided them with
refreshments and told them all about their churches.
They were certainly the 'Hard Back' generation. It is at least
reassuring to know that despite all the changes since then the
weather will continue to be an unpredictable influence on the
activities of the Society.
Pernille Richards
SMARDEN'S BIG DIG • A
SECRET PAST REVEALED
3 years ago Alex Ferris of Smarden History Society was
making a film about the village's history and made contact
with English Heritage (EH). A field walk project for
the local school, assisted by EH, led to him forming a junior
section of the History Society. They now run an active monthly
programme of activities.
A subsequent talk by EH to the History
Society raised the question of the location of
Smarden's old marketplace in the village
centre. Alex successfully bid for • Awards for
All' funding to enable a dig with the aim of
discovering more about how the medieval
village developed, and where Smarden's
market place once stood. The 'Big Dig' took
place over a weekend in September. in cooperation
with Cambridge University and
their Field Academy programme. led by
Carenza Lewis.
More than 60 parents and children
enjoyed a fascinating weekend of archaeological
discovery. Under the guidance of
Carenza and her team. and assisted by
medieval pottery expert Luke Barber from
Sussex University, 11 teams opened 1
metre-square test pits in the gardens of
houses lining the ancient centre of the village.
It was soon apparent that most pits
were going to produce large quantities of
finds and at the close of the first day's digging, hundreds of
artefacts were brought back to the Dig HO at Smarden
Primary School for examination by the experts
By the end of Sunday the quantity of collected items
had run into the thousands!
All of the finds have now been taken to
Cambridge University for further analysis, but
the initial assessment showed that pottery
pre-dating Smarden·s medieval Church had
been discovered, together with significant
quantities of medieval and later fragments.
Perhaps the most exciting find was a
hoard of silver English and French coins
dating from the 13th. 14th, 15th and 16th
centuries found in one garden. A permanent
display of Dig items will eventually be
mounted in Smarden's new Heritage Centre at
the Charter Hall. Additional information is due
to appear soon on the Centre's website:
www.smardenheritagecentre.synthasite.com.
The Big Dig weekend was voted such a
big success by the teams that the Society is
considering organising another dig next year!
ABOVE LEFT' Carenza debriefing diggers at the end Copy deadline for the next issue m Janual'( 1s Monday December 1st
of day one. The editor wishes to draw anenuon to the fact that neither she 1101 the Council of the KAS are answerable for op!mons
which contributors may express m their signed articles. each author 1s alone leSJX)ns1ble for the
ABOVE CENTRE: Holly Smith and Ruth Slater with
finds from test pit 2.
ABOVE RIGHT. Amelia Thompson and Adam
Titmuss, initiators of the Big Dig.
16
contl!lllS ard substance of their work
' ,.., A I • I l • l, • f f I J . ;_ 1 [ 11 ' ', ' , '
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Published by the Kent Archaeological Society, Maidstone Museum and Benthf Gallery, St Faith's Street. Maidstone. Kent ME 14 llH
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