KENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL ISSUE NUMBER 90 SOCIETY AUTUMN 2011

Your Quarterly Newsletter

THE GAP as never seen before Page 2-3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Image Copyright Forest Research based on Cambridge University Technical Services and Valley of Visions survey data

2-3 Medway LiDAR + Roman Thanet Revealed 4-5 Boxley Warren + MAAG open day 6 What’s On 7 History & Library centre 8-9 You & Your Society + Committee Round Up 10 Discovering Cliffe’s Defences 11 New Books 12-13 Notes from the Archive 14-15 Wolverton display 16 Mystery photo www.kentarchaeology.org.uk LiDAR Mapping the Medway Gap

Digital Surface Model of the A2, with Shorne Woods above and Cobham Hall grounds below.

arly in April this year the sky The Medway survey was the working strips within it, the above the Medway gap saw a commissioned and funded mainly former route of Watling Street and helicopter weaving its way to by the Heritage Lottery Fund the traces of medieval fields and E through the Valley of Visions and fro, scanning the land below enclosures around Randall Manor. with a laser beam. This was not for Landscape Partnership Scheme and Overall the LiDAR has provided some top secret military purpose, the Shorne Woods Heritage Project. a stunning new tool to help us to but for an archaeological survey. Additional funds were also provided investigate the historic landscape of This exciting new technique, now by Kent County Council and the this archaeologically rich area. Over available to archaeologists, is known Forestry Commission. The area the coming winter Valley of Visions as LiDAR. surveyed extended from Shorne volunteers and the Shorne Woods The lasers reflect back from the Woods in the north to the M20 in Archaeology Group will be taking ground surface below and by using the south and from Meopham in the survey and going out into the extremely accurate GPS and the west to Bluebell Hill in the east. area to examine the features it measuring equipment the distance That adds up to over 100 square shows. If you would like to get is measured. Millions of laser beams kilometres, which was surveyed in involved then please contact either are projected and read giving a a couple of days! Valley of Visions at mail@vov. highly detailed map of the ground The results have now come in kentdowns.org.uk or Andrew topography. LiDAR can even map and they are as exciting as we had Mayfield at Shorne Woods - andrew. the ground in woodland, stripping hoped. LiDAR data comes back in [email protected]. The results back the vegetation to reveal hidden several forms. A ‘surface model’ of our work will also be posted on earthworks that would just not be shows the surface as it would on an the facebook pages www.facebook. appreciated from the ground. A aerial photograph, with trees still com/archaeologyinkent and www. more detailed explanation of the visible. A ‘terrain model’ strips away facebook.com/VOVLPS and technology and its applications can the vegetation and shows the ground the Valley of Visions website be found at http://www.english- surface with earthworks, trackways, www.valleyofvisions.org.uk. heritage.org.uk/publications/light- and in the case of Shorne Woods, fantastic/light-fantastic.pdf. the outline of the former quarry and

2 Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter - www.kentarchaeology.org.uk Digital Terrain Model of the same area, all vegetation stripped away.

Roman Thanet Revealed by Lauren Figg, for the Trust for Thanet Archaeology

‘Roman Thanet Revealed’is a new both professional and exhibition at the Powell-Cotton amateur. The Trust for Museum at Quex Park, Birchington. Thanet Archaeology has The exhibition was officially opened been supporting on September 1st and was entirely IOTAS since the produced by volunteers. The Powell- start of their work Cotton Museum, supported by at the museum, with MP Roger Gale views RTR Friends of Quex, has provided a the help of a base for community curators, grant from the KAS mainly from the Isle of Thanet Education Committee. Archaeological Society (IOTAS), to Deputy Director Ges Moody Villa, Minster in Thanet, as well as unleash their creativity through provided an interesting Roman finds from all over the Isle. research and design. introduction, explaining the Walking around the exhibition, it’s The ribbon was cut by Roger background to the exhibition. clear that a lot of thought and Gale, MP for North Thanet, Prominent in the gallery is a map research has gone into each display, officially opening the exhibition. of Thanet in the Roman period, cut enough to inspire anyone of any Among the guests were the Mayors off from the mainland by the age. The enthusiasm of the of Broadstairs and Ramsgate, the Wantsum Channel, setting the volunteers is contagious, as was head of Birchington Parish Council, scene for stories of Thanet in Roman obvious from its spread amongst and Ian Coulson, President of the times. Items on display include the guests during the evening. KAS, along with many members of finds from the KAS-sponsored See http://www.quexmuseum. the local archaeological community, training dig at the Abbey Farm org/ for more information.

www.kentarchaeology.org.uk - Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter 3 Boxley Warren, looking north from Penenden Heath

CelebratingBoxleyWarren

by Mike Phillips

Boxley Warren stands proudly on the next three years, to celebrate the present more about the rich history of the area. scarp slope of the , Boxley Warren and explore its history. The heritage survey, which is close to overlooking both and The completion, will reveal more about the Weald. The site saw some of the first The project aims to: plethora of hollow ways and ancient human settlement in the area, the »» Commission an enhanced heritage routes that criss-cross the Downs, as introduction of farming and changes survey of Boxley Warren well as the relic settlements and evidence wrought by the Industrial Revolution, »» Create a ‘Friends of’ group to help of chalk pits and dene holes. There but despite being highly visible from steer the future of the site will, however, be much more to find the county town and the M20, most »» Get people involved in investigating out about, including crop marks and people know very little about it, or its the history of Boxley Warren lynchets that may indicate evidence of diverse history. ‘Celebrating Boxley »» Improve the biodiversity of the site by early farming, as well as the role that Warren’ is a project that is attempting creating new habitats and managing the military have played in shaping this to address this. the existing wildlife areas more remarkable landscape. Boxley Warren is an 83-hectare Local appropriately Anyone who is interested in the Nature Reserve just to the east of »» Run practical tasks so people can get heritage of Boxley will be asked to take Bluebell Hill and to the north of Boxley involved in habitat village. It is an internationally management significant place, a Site of Special »» Run a series of walks White Horse Stone, one of the Medway megaliths Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of the highlighting the plants chalk grassland species and also a and animals of Boxley European designated Special Area of Warren as well as the Conservation (SAC) because of the heritage of the site lowland beech and yew woodland. It is also home to the White Horse Stone, ‘Celebrating Boxley one of the Medway Megaliths and a Warren’ has joined Scheduled Ancient Monument. forces with Kent County Boxley Parish Council and the Mid Council’s Heritage Team Kent Downs Countryside Partnership to create some exciting have successfully applied to the Heritage opportunities to get Lottery Fund to run a project over the involved and find out

4 Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter - www.kentarchaeology.org.uk Holloway running N-S from the Pilgrims’ Way to the CelebratingBoxleyWarren Way, through yew woodland

part in both practical work on site and undertake their research. contact Mike Phillips on 01303 research work using historical records. Events and opportunities to take 815170 or mike.phillips@kentdowns. Activities with the North Downs Young part in research projects will be taking org.uk. You can also find us on Archaeologists Club will see them place over the next couple of years, all Facebook - search for ‘Friends of choosing their area of work and free of charge. If you’d like to find out Boxley Warren’. deciding themselves the best way to more about ‘Celebrating Boxley Warren’,

FOUR HUNDRED ATTEND EAST FARLEIGH OPEN DAY by Albert Daniels

our hunded people attended the were the kitchen range, Roman Buildings Open Day displayed last year, together held by the Maidstone Area with a section of the Iron Age FArchaeological Group (MAAG) on the ditch which passed under its 31st July. They were treated to guided north wall, and the central tours of the site and displays of artefacts section of the two buildings found during excavation. located to the east. These two Members of MAAG were on hand buildings are now known to to explain the various finds and answer be barns, with 3.6m and any questions from members of the 3.3m-wide doors located public. Poster board displays of previous mid-way along the south wall. work carried out by the Group were The buildings will be East Farleigh open day shown to illustrate different aspects of backfilled later this year in their archaeological work carried out order to prevent deterioration during the last twenty years. of the walls and floors. The buildings displayed this year

www.kentarchaeology.org.uk - Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter 5 WHAT’S ON

KAS EVENTS WATERINGBURY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY LOOSE AREA HISTORY SOCIETY Monday 14 November One-Day Conference held jointly by KAS 19 October ‘Despatches from the Home Front’, by Chris and the Friends of the Centre for Medieval Darwin Family of Downe - Barbara Stevens McCooey. and Early Modern Studies, University of 16 November Monday 12 December Kent A History of Early Flight on Sheppey - Air ‘A Shopping trip in Downe in a bygone era,’ by Commodore Bill Croydon Barbara Stevens. LATER MEDIEVAL KENT Saturday 10 December 18 January 2012 Unless otherwise indicated all meetings are held 9.55am (register from 9.30) to 5pm The History of Rochester Bridge - James M at Loose Infant School Hall, Loose Road, Loose, Gibson Maidstone, Kent, starting at 7.30pm. Grimond Lecture Theatre 1, University of 15 February 2012 Non-members welcome Admission £2.50 Pay Kent, Canterbury campus Queen Victoria’s Dreadful Uncles - Sheila Boyd at the door. Free parking in school grounds.

Programme (2 lectures per session): 21 March 2012 Enquiries 01622 741198 or Some Historic Kentish Towns - David Carder www.looseareahistorysociety.webeden.co.uk »» The Aristocracy: Dr David Grummitt & Richard Eales 18 April 2012 The Great Flood of 1953 - Bronwen M Sadler »» The Economy: Professor Mavis Mate & Dr Gillian Draper 20 June 2012 St MARGARET’S HISTORY SOCIETY AGM followed by The Queen’s Jubilee - Peter Tuesday 18 October, 7.30pm » » The Church: Dr Elizabeth Edwards & Dr Robert Hartley Ramsgate in World War II – 1938 up to and Lutton including Dunkirk We also organise a coach trip to a venue of »» The Town: Sarah Pearson & Dr Sheila interest, next year it will be held in May. Tuesday 15 November, 7.00pm (AGM) Sweetinburgh A Little Bit of Chanting – the story of educating »» Tickets £12 (lunch NOT provided – see campus The Society meets in the Village Hall at 7.40pm. the masses; Denise Baldwin & Katherine Visitors are welcome at £2.50. outlets). Harding Further details and to book (by 2 December): All talks held in St Margaret’s Main Hall, Reach Claire Taylor, Centre for Medieval and Early Road. Visitors welcome, entry £3.00. Modern Studies, Rutherford College, CRAYFORD MANOR HOUSE HISTORICAL & University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NX; EVENTS ELSEWHERE [email protected] or 01227 823140. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY Cheques should be made payable to ‘UNIKENT’. CBA South East Conference Saturday 12 November ‘POLICING THE PAST’ EVENTS AROUND KENT Pepys Hereabouts - John Swindell and Lesley Saturday 12 November Veach Joint conference by Council for Kentish Fulton Building Lecture Theatre, University of Archaeology and Association for Roman Saturday 10 December Sussex An Audience with Queen Victoria - Anne Carter Archaeology The Conference brings together speakers who Saturday 14 January 2012 NEW IDEAS ON SOME MAJOR have been at the forefront of recent initiatives Migration Triangle - Calico Printing on the Cray, around heritage-related crime and wider issues ROMAN VILLAS. the Lea and the Wandle -David Cufley of heritage protection, both on land and at sea. Saturday 22 October 2011 Saturday 11 February 2012 Speakers include: 2.00 - 5.30pm The Suburban Home Front in the Second World »» Mark Harrison (Heritage Crime Initiative War - Mike Brown. Rationing, clothes, Dig for The Old Sessions Lecture Theatre, Canterbury Victory, gas masks, the blackout and more. & ARCH) Christchurch University, Canterbury, North Illustrated with artefacts. Holmes Campus »» Andy Brockman (Conflict archaeology, community archaeology) Saturday 10 March 2012 Chedworth, Lullingstone and Great Witcombe Traditional Kentish Building Materials - Richard will be included »» Mark Dunkley (English Heritage: maritime Filmer archaeology) Speakers include All meetings are held at The Baker Trust Hall, »» Pete Wilson (English Heritage) Maxim Road, Crayford at 7pm for 7.30pm. »» Dr Martin Henig Non-members welcome to attend - £3.00 per »» Andrew Richardson (Cant.Arch.Trust) Case »» Bryn Walters lecture (except December when there will be an Study of Illicit Excavations additional charge). Enquiries to Mrs. J. » »» Graham Soffe Hearn-Gillham – 01322 551279 or » Paul Bennett - Heritage Protection in Libya Tickets £5.00 available from C.K.A. 7, email [email protected] Tickets £15.00 for CBA SE members, £20.00 for Sandy Ridge, Borough Green, Kent TN1 8HP non-members. Available from Joe Francis, (S.A.E please) Centre for Community Engagement, Mantell Building, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton Web site www.the-cka.fsnet.co.uk BN1 9RF. Tel: 01273 678300, email: [email protected].

6 Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter - www.kentarchaeology.org.uk New Kent History and Library Centre

The new Kent History and Library When the moving project started popular material has been Centre in Maidstone, due to open there was a large backlog of microfilmed, but CKS apologise for in Spring next year, is progressing uncatalogued material. This has any inconvenience caused by the well. The external structure is almost gradually been listed and catalogued lack of access to original records. complete and work is now focussing by staff to make it easier to move Whilst closed, the updated online on the internal works. and to make it more accessible in catalogue will continue to be The archive storage areas have the new building. Although this available via the web pages, with been watertight for some time to backlog won’t be entirely cleared, additional information and images. enable them to dry out and shelving thousands of records have been Canterbury Cathedral Archives will to house the 14km of archive added to the catalogues (there are also be open (until the end of material is currently being installed. now almost 600,000 records on the January when it closes for essential New facilities will include online catalogue). The collections repairs). Ancestry.com will be a community history room, a are now better documented than available free at all Kent libraries library, a digital studio and a they’ve ever been. A significant and the twelve local history conservation suite. amount of images have also been collections in the main district Collections will be moved into added, around 6,000, covering the libraries will continue to provide the new centre between December whole county. information on local and family this year and next February. Work The CKS and East Kent Archive history. to prepare the collections for the Centre are expected to close in mid- move is also progressing, with the November, just before the new Keep an eye on www.kent.gov.uk/ main collections at the Centre for building is handed back to KCC. archives for updates relating to Kentish Studies (CKS) now There is currently a microfilm-only the new building. repackaged and barcoded. The focus service at CKS which will operate will now be on the smaller collections through until the centre closes. This and also on those at East Kent will enable more staff to work on Archive Centre and the out-store preparation of the collections for at Kings Hill. the move. Almost all of the most

www.kentarchaeology.org.uk - Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter 7 YOU & YOUR SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP MATTERS As the time for renewals for 2012 is fast I am very pleased to welcome the CHURCHES approaching, please check your standing following new members: orders to make sure that you are paying the COMMITTEE correct subscription rates – due in January. Mrs V Barrand Davies. Rainham Also, please ensure that your name is Mr P Begg, Maidstone Visit to High included as I have several payments with Ms L Gray, Faversham no other details, which does make my life a Mrs M J Kirkby, Beddington, Surrey Halden and little difficult! If you do not pay by standing Mrs P Leith, Maidstone orders perhaps you could consider Miss C Lindridge, Dudley, West Midlands Bethersden changing to this method instead of using a by Paul Lee cheque. If you send me a stamped Mrs S M Malloch, Newington addressed envelope (address below) I can Mr D F Williford, Reedsville, West Approximately 35 participants then send you a form to complete so that Virginia USA enjoyed the KAS Churches payment can be set up in January 2012. The majority of new members have joined Committee’s visit to High Halden I shall be sending out the cheque renewal by downloading the application form and Bethersden in July. These letters and invoices in December as usual. from the website but it is equally villages are located between Ashford I do not pay the cheques into the bank until important that blue application forms the New Year, but it is very helpful to have are available in other locations and taken and Tenterden towards the eastern these ready to process. to conferences etc. Please contact me if end of the Weald and each is you would like a bundle. possessed of a fine medieval church Please remember to send any changes of addresses etc. to me either by post or Shiela Broomfield, 8 Woodview rich in interesting features. email: [email protected]. Crescent, Hildenborough, Tonbridge, Committee chairman Mary Berg uk Kent TN11 9HD telephone: 01732 welcomed everyone at High Halden 838698 email I look forward to your continued support of [email protected] and invited local historian Mary our splendid Society. Adams to speak about St Mary’s Parish Church. There has probably been a church in this Wealden clearing village since the 12th or Archaeologia Have you just 13th century, but the present Cantiana joined the Society? structure largely dates from the 14th for sale Do you wish you could and 15th centuries. The most collect all the back issues remarkable feature is the 14th Volumes available of Archaeologia Cantiana? century timber west tower whose are LXXXVIII to CXXX; 42 massive structure supports the weight of six bells. Visitors were volumes covering a period allowed to ascend the tower’s ancient ladders and examine its fascinating 1973 to 2010. construction. The church is also blessed with a beautiful 14th century south porch, which is Price is £1.00 per volume, Now you can have 125 volumes of Archaeologia Cantiana at the understandably popular for wedding i.e. £42.00. amazingly low cost of £31 for photographs, and the survival of individual members and £76 for some 15th century stained glass in Buyer must collect. institutional members on the KAS the side chapels and chancel. The Sesquicentennial DVD. Victorian restoration, carried out Telephone number: 01732- –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– by George Street, involved the raising of the chancel floor level and 354869, email address: To order your copy, send a cheque payable to Kent Archaeological this has ironically led to subsidence [email protected] Society to Peter Tann, 42 Archery in recent years. The church is well Square, , Deal CT14 7HP. cared for, however, and the children’s corner in the south aisle demonstrates

8 Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter - www.kentarchaeology.org.uk COMMITTEE ROUND UP that it is still the home of a living, worshiping community. St Margaret’s Bethersden is a large and lofty church, prominently sited in the main street, and consists of a fine tower, nave with side aisles and a spacious chancel with side chapels. The speaker here was Brian Robinson, chairman of the Bethersden Parish Records Society. A pre-Norman church existed, but the present building in the Perpendicular style mostly dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. Mr Robinson explained that this is one of the few churches in Kent allowed to keep its historic records. Some members of the Records Society attended and kindly set out Bethersden a sample of the documents of which they act as custodians. Since 1989 they have raised £26,000 for their

care and conservation. The parish chest in which these documents were formerly kept can still be seen at the back of the nave. The church has many other interesting features and associations, such as with the famous Lovelace family who occupied a large house (since disappeared) near the church between the 15th and 17th centuries. Bethersden parish is, of course, also the source of the well- known Bethersden ‘marble’ and examples of it are to be found in the Lovelace chapel as well as elsewhere in the church. Visitors were once again allowed to ascend the tower from which a fine view could be enjoyed. A fascinating afternoon concluded with tea and biscuits kindly provided by the hosts at Bethersden.

High Halden’s 14th century south porch

www.kentarchaeology.org.uk - Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter 9 Bill Simmons recording a Type 24 pillbox ar Cliffe, August 2011 NEW BOOKS

Discovering Cliffe’s Defences by Victor Smith

ocal historian Bill Simmons is Traces may remain as buried archaeology the selection of a ‘show pillbox’ that a man with a mission. He wants or as hidden structures in hedgerows can be used during occasional open to discover how the Cliffe area and undergrowth. Bill Simmons is days as a backdrop to present and Lnear Rochester was to be defended determined to find them all. interpret the local anti-invasion against a feared German invasion There are many clues to locations to defences, possibly including some during the Second World War. be found in documents in the National uniformed enactment. Over the years he has become Archives, from a study of aerial This project is most welcome for its familiar with the numerous pillboxes photographs, field survey and not least potential to discover and add important to be seen in his area. Documentary from the recollections of local people. knowledge. It is also timely given the research has shown these to have been From all this it should be possible to recent publication of the Medway part of the national and strategic GHQ synthesise and better understand the overview of Kent County Council’s defence line. This epic undertaking anatomy, organisation and manning Defence of Kent Project (Archaeologia crossed the country from the Bristol of the anti-invasion defences in the Cantiana, Vol . CXXXI (2011) ) and Channel to the , then Cliffe area and beyond and to place with English Heritage’s Hoo Peninsula turned to join the south bank of the them in their wider context. project in progress. Thames near Higham Creek, resuming Living in Cliffe, Bill Simmons has I am sure that we shall learn more on the Essex shore north to shield the built up many contacts in the local of the progress of this worthwhile industrial Midlands. Yet these defences community over the years, including project in the years ahead, probably in were much more than the pillboxes landowners with defences on their the pages of this newsletter. So watch which remain today as the visible and property and he tells me that they are this space! iconic symbols of the preparations to enthused about this impending project. defeat invasion. They included rifle Bill Simmons does not want the Editor’s note pits and more extensive entrenched results of his survey just to reside in an Bill Simmons would welcome contacts positions, mines and barbed wire archive for other specialist researchers. from those with information of entanglements, anti-tank ditches - such He will seek ways to share them with potential value to the project and from as the one that etched itself across the everyone, through a website, an those who wish to become part of the Hoo Peninsula against a possible historical booklet, a military heritage research team he is assembling. landing on its shore - concrete obstacles trail and through engagement with Replies in the first instance to and flame defences, with more besides. schools. He is also working towards [email protected].

0 1 Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter - www.kentarchaeology.org.uk NEW BOOKS

The Pilgrims’ Way – Fact and Fiction of an Ancient Trackway by Derek Bright ISBN 978 0 7524 6085 7 Winding its way from Winchester to Canterbury, through Hampshire, Surrey and Kent, the Pilgrims’ Way is one of ’s most ancient trackways. It is beloved of walkers throughout southern England, yet remains an enigma to many who regularly follow its tracks.

From the Neolithic through to Victorian pilgrimists, the book re-evaluates how we should perceive this ancient trackway. Using evidence of roadside crime, prohibitive legislation, and the everyday hazards facing travellers, the book assesses how the road has served travellers over time.

£14.99, available from www.thehistorypress.co.uk or direct sales from 01235 465577.

Ditton - The Story of a Kentish Village by Alan Dodge Published by the Ditton Heritage Centre, this book traces the story of Ditton from prehistory to the present day. It tells of a small farming community of four farms, two mills and a church, which by 1801 had a population of only 98. An introductory chapter describes the different parts of the village with the origin of names of places and fields. There is a brief account of local geology. Subsequent chapters are entitled; Prehistoric and Roman History; A Saxon and Norman Community: Medieval Times: The Reformation to the Restoration; A Georgian Village; A Victorian Village; War and peace; The Modern World. Includes many illustrations of demolished buildings, old street scenes, and maps dating back to the 1680s, references to historical sources, suggestions for further reading, and a detailed index.

The Trustees of the Allen Grove Fund contributed £150 towards the book. Paperback, 176 pages, 130 illustrations. Price £10. Available from Liz Day Ditton Heritage Centre Ltd 26 St Peter’s Close Ditton ME20 6PG Tel: 01732 840937 Email: [email protected]

www.kentarchaeology.org.uk - Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter 11 NOTES FROM THE ARCHIVE by Pernille Richards The West Farleigh & District Sparrow and Rat Club

From the Papers of the Hon. Henry A. Hannen d. 1933

In Presenting my Annual Report, I am Concerns were raised over the way The rules for The West Farleigh and pleased to state that the members have poison caused indiscriminate killing of District Sparrow and Rat Club, which again done good work by destroying birds and unfortunate side-effects were was founded in 1903, follow those of 1192 Sparrows, 657 Rats, 33 also being noticed, such as plagues of leaflet No. 84 closely, although they Bullfinches, 134 Moles, 879 Blackbirds, caterpillars and other insects when birds widened the scope beyond sparrows 1301 Queen Wasps, 1854 Butterflies, were less numerous. In addition and rats. The club had its headquarters 13 Stoats and 9 Jays. there were accidental deaths of at the White House in West Farleigh, So wrote Mr. L. J. Costen, Hon. domestic animals. where the heads of the catch were to Secretary, and later Chairman, for the The Sparrow Clubs were a more be brought on the first Wednesday in West Farleigh and District Sparrow and respectable face of pest control and each month between 7 and 8pm for Rat Club in March, 1917. Sparrow their activities were endorsed by a the tally to be made. In 1917 the club and Rat clubs were a common feature Leaflet published by the Board of had eight honorary members, Mr. R. of rural life from the 18th Century Agriculture and Fisheries, Leaflet No. Munn, B. Small, C. Hickmott, G. until after the First World War, when 84, published in 1903, and revised Poile, G.C. Froud, L. Costen, A. Fuller they declined in most places. The aim January 1916. A 1916 leaflet is found and E. Munn, who were exempt from of the clubs was district-wide pest in the papers of Henry A. Hannen. bringing heads, and 22 working control and they offered the incentive The leaflet puts the case very plainly: members. A pub seems to have been of prizes per catch. “While no one wishes to exterminate the the usual meeting place for such groups. As pests, rats need no introduction, sparrow, it is generally agreed that any The Sparrow Clubs made but the hostility towards the Sparrow good it may do in destroying harmful announcements in the local papers, may be surprising. House Sparrows insects is so greatly outweighed by the and most information on them seems were then more numerous than they damage done to crops, that a reduction to derive from these. An undated are today and their liking for grain and in its numbers is as necessary as in the example announcing the catches of the young blossoms and the damage they case of rats, or of any other destructive West Farleigh group is among the caused to ricks and thatch caused them pest.” The leaflets emphasised that small papers using the more colloquial title to be viewed as pests alongside rats. birds were not to be persecuted of ‘The Loyal Tickle Back, Jack Sparrow In order to protect crops from their indiscriminately. It proceeds to give and Mole Club’. The clubs appear little ravages boys were often employed as instructions on how to reduce the studied, perhaps because their activities bird-scares. During the Victorian era sparrow population by destroying eggs are not congenial to modern some farmers embraced modernity by and nests, netting or shooting sparrows. sensibilities. Concerns for feeding the starting to use grain poisoned with The formation of a Sparrow (and rat) nation during the First World War may arsenic or strychnine as a deliberate club is recommended in order to have added extra impetus to the measure to reduce the bird population. involve a whole district in the task and Sparrow Clubs, but there are signs of However, this soon caused controversy. a proposed set of rules is set out. changing perspectives. In his notes

12 Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter - www.kentarchaeology.org.uk The White House, headquarters of the Club

Hannen expressed unease at the killing of Bullfinches, Blackbirds and Butterflies, and an R.S.P.B. leaflet from March 1917 found among Hannen’s papers sought to highlight the benefits of birds to the farmer as a natural form of insect pest control.

www.kentarchaeology.org.uk - Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter 13 THE WOLVERTON ANGLO-SAXON BURIAL DISPLAY CASE by Vince Burrows

The ‘Wolverton Warrior’ in the upper burial case

THE WOLVERTON ANGLO-SAXON BURIAL DISPLAY CASE By Vince Burrows ver two years, the Summer issue No 81, 2009. These can burial in cross-section, as it was Valley Historical Research be viewed on the KAS website, excavated at Wolverton. The pagan Group raised £14,000 for the www.kentarchaeology.org.uk. burials are of two important males, one Odisplay of finds recovered from the The Deputy Mayor of recently buried with weapons. The ‘Wolverton newly discovered Anglo-Saxon unveiled the newly-finished Wolverton Warrior’ burial, as it is known, also cemetery at Wolverton, in the Alkham Case at the Astor College for the Arts, revealed curious burial practice that, Valley near Dover. The funding also Dover. This unique Anglo-Saxon to date, has no known comparison provided finance for conservation of display case will serve as an educational recorded in Kent. Four rough-cut chalk the finds and further analytical tests. tool in the community for schools in pedestals were used to carry two human The Wolverton site lies at the north- the . Two flanking femurs (leg bones), removed from eastern end of the 7km-long Alkham 2-metre high storyboards accompany another grave. The femurs, supported valley, running through the North the case. The first is an overview of the by the pedestals, were clearly used to Downs between and Dover, archaeological site and excavations, the carry the grave’s sealing material, and is situated on a steeply sloping other information on the burial probably small planks to cover the body. ridge at the confluence of two valleys. practices and rites of pagan Anglo- A skull and lower mandible (jaw bone), Bisecting the , the river Saxons, who they were, why they came also removed from another burial, were Nailbourne runs past the ridge cemetery to our shores and how they settled and placed above the warrior’s body, on its northern side. In Anglo-Saxon lived. Through inventive design, the presumably after sealing of the grave times the river may have provided case enables creative use of archaeological but before the burial was completely important navigable access from the material, often assigned to dusty backfilled. Three artefacts recovered sea at Dover to the interior of Alkham storerooms, allowing the observer to from the burials have yet to be as far inland as the hamlet peer underground back in time identified. The display carries the actual of . 1300 years. human remains on two levels just as Two interim reports covering the The case, designed by the author, is found and are surrounded by their sites background and general discoveries the first of its kind in the UK. It was replicated artefacts. The conserved were published in KAS Newsletters, commissioned to exhibit a double- artefacts will go on display in a separate Spring issue No 76, 2008 and the tiered 6th – 7th century Anglo-Saxon case at Dover Museum next year.

14 Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter - www.kentarchaeology.org.uk Many inter-school workshops have been arranged for this year and initial website comments, which have been posted by the Astor College for the Arts, are extremely positive. ”Astor College was able to extend the ‘museum type’ experience of the Wolverton Warrior, and other artefacts Children from the Astor College of Arts find generously loaned to us by Vince out about the Anglo-Saxons Burrows from Alkham Archaeology, to its federation primary schools this week. Year 5 students from White Cliffs opportunities for local residents, Primary College for the Arts and Year students and other organisations for Please see links for further 4 students from Barton Primary School participation. Around eighteen information on the display case: participated in combined History and locations have already been selected, English workshops revolving around inclusive of possible further cemetery Astor College homepage: Wolverton the Anglo-Saxon remains. Year 7 and sites, together with a search for ancient Warrior & the Primary School 8 Astor students assisted in the sessions occupation along the banks of the Workshop reports. and it proved to be a highly interesting Nailbourne river. Later in the project and beneficial experience for we propose cutting two trenches across Website: www.astorcollege.org all concerned”. the Nailbourne to ascertain its ancient The case also demonstrates how local depth, width and possible navigable Vince Burrows archaeological projects can stimulate use. Investigation and excavations in Director; and engage the community in tracing a wood boundary system The Alkham Valley Historical partnerships with locally-run research thought to date to the Anglo-Saxon Research Project 2012-16 projects. Most of the case funding was period and possible Iron Age terracing t: 01304 219550 raised locally in the Alkham Valley, is planned for mid 2012. Our project m: 07935 284955 however, the Kent Archaeological work is open to volunteers and [email protected] Society (Fieldwork Committee), the University students. Please contact us www.alkhamarchaeology.co.uk Kent Community Foundation and via the project details below. Mark Loveday (Alkham resident), also contributed substantial grants to the project. The case fabrication was undertaken by Mark Hargreaves (Kingsmead Associates Canterbury). The replicated artefacts contained within the case were made by William Laing (Lyminge resident). The intact Frankish wine bottle replica was made by Clive Soord (Ceramics Dept, University of Kent & Canterbury) and the information boards were written by Vince Burrows and edited by Kim Norton (Education Officer Dover Museum). The Alkham Valley project is set to The unveiling of the Wolverton display continue for around five years, with L to R: Vince Burrows, David Hannent (Deputy Mayor of Dover), William Laing (maker of replica artefacts) and Jon Iveson (Senior Curator, Dover Museum) most of our research being geophysical lead surveys. This will provide excellent

www.kentarchaeology.org.uk - Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter 15 Mystery Photo - can you help?

he attached photograph was car. She may be a royal visitor and the or town hall. One strange feature of discovered in Dartford car may belong to a local dignitary, the photograph is that careful inspection Library’s Local Studies possibly the man wearing a top hat in reveals lots of faces above the bunting, TCollection. It was found while searching the passenger seat next to the driver. meaning that there must be a steeply for suitable photos of outdoor events There is a military guard of honour, sloping road leading away from the for Dartford Borough Museum’s including some ‘off camera’ at the camera between the shops. current exhibition ‘Hang out the bottom left of the photo, their presence Staff at Dartford Borough Museum Bunting!’. However, the photograph revealed only by their fixed bayonets. and at Dartford Library would be was not taken in the Borough of The curved corner of this street is quite grateful if anyone can tell us where this Dartford and the location is a mystery. distinctive, with shops forming a right photograph was taken and, if possible, The number plate of the car begins angle with a gap in between. There is the nature of the occasion. Please with a ‘D’ showing that it was registered a double-stepped kerb with a baulk of contact Dr Mike Still at Dartford in Kent and the number itself tells us timber forming a temporary third step Borough Museum, Market Street, that it was registered between February under the presumably red carpet. This Dartford, Kent DA1 1EU or e-mail us 1906 and April 1910. The visiting carpet leads through the gap between at [email protected]. dignitary appears to be the lady, holding the shops and disappears towards an up a parasol, in the open back of the unknown location, possibly a church

If undelivered, please return to The editor wishes to draw attention to the fact that EDITOR: LYN PALMER S. Broomfield, 8 Woodview Crescent, neither she nor the Council of the KAS are answerable 55 Stone Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2QU Hildenborough, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 9HD for opinions which contributors may express in their Telephone: 01892 533661 signed articles; each author is alone responsible for Email: [email protected] Copy deadline for the next issue is 1st Dec 2011 the contents and substance of their work.

16 Autumn 2011 - KAS Newsletter - www.kentarchaeology.org.uk Published by the Kent Archaeological Society, Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Gallery, St Faith’s Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME14 1LH.