newsletterKENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Issue Number 85 Summer 2010

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2-3 Neanderthal Occupation NEANDERTHAL 4-7 What’s On Mills Society 8-9 You & Your Society: OCCUPATION Membership Matters Committee Round Up Notes from the Archives Earliest Evidence 10-11 of Cluny Anniversary 12-13 South East Archaeology Woodland Forum New Books Letters 14-15 Letters Roman Canterbury 16 KAS Awarded

www.kentarchaeology.org.uk Neanderthal Occupation

Fig. 2.

A2/M25 roadworks reveal Neanderthal Occupation As most KAS members have no evaluation and mitigating work was present. Rather, when seen as part of doubt been aware, major carried out all around the junction, a wider whole, deposits that in improvements have been recently a full report on which has been isolation appeared to be fluvially lain made to the junction of the M25 prepared and will be available and well-bedded were revealed as with the A2, south of the Dartford through the Archaeology Data part of a chaotic jumbled mass that crossing. The roadworks, funded by Service. The work described here dipped and thickened downslope, the Highways Agency with the main took place in the northeast quadrant, representing a massive build-up of contractors being Jacobs Babtie and where a direct link was constructed slopewash sediments, probably Costain, were accompanied by between the southbound carriageway formed under cold climatic archaeological investigations, carried of the M25 and the eastbound conditions. These deposits produced out by Oxford Archaeology between carriageway of the A2 (Fig 1). a huge pointed handaxe (Front 2003 and 2006. What is probably A few test pits dug for preliminary Cover - Insert), obviously derived less well known, is that the geo-archaeological evaluation had out of its original context and so of archaeological programme had a established that deep Pleistocene uncertain age. major Palaeolithic/Pleistocene sequences were present in this area, element, carried out under the including gravel bodies thought to be At the southern end of the trench a direction of Francis Wenban-Smith of fluvial origin. Since one of the thick silt/sand body extended (School of Humanities, University of primary project aims was to develop broadly horizontally for more than Southampton), which has produced understanding of the history of 50m, overlying an undulating gravel important evidence of Neanderthal Pleistocene landscape development, sheet, which in turn stratigraphically occupation early in the last and this part of the site was to overlay the mass of slopewash glaciation, at a period when Britain undergo substantial impact, it was sediments. Two flint flakes were has until now been thought to be agreed to excavate a continuous found in situ in the trench section, at entirely deserted. stepped trench through these the interface where the base of the deposits. This trench (TP 8800) may silt/sand body overlay the gravel More than 75 separate trenches were be Britain’s largest ever archaeological sheet (Fig 2). These were absolutely dug, mostly small (but very deep!) test pit, reaching 160m long and 4m unstained and unpatinated, and in test pits, but also several much larger deep (Front Cover). such mint condition, that they did stepped trenches allowing direct not appear to have been subject to access to deeper-lying deposits of The resulting section revealed that in any depositional disturbance. It was potential interest. A range of fact few fluvial sediments were inferred that the surface of the gravel

2 Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter Neanderthal Occupation sheet must at one time have been at sites such as Lynford (Norfolk) may be that we have devoted exposed as a palaeo-landsurface, and and Coygan Cave (Carmarthenshire, insufficient attention to the cold- that the lithic artefacts represent Wales) where bout coupé handaxes climate slopewash deposits that we undisturbed remains of early have been found in deposits of this do have, under the misapprehension hominin activity on that surface. age. There would have been no that they do not contain evidence of reason why Neanderthals could not sufficient integrity to have any At this point we had no idea of the have survived in Britain during the interpretive potential — perhaps we age of this occupation. No biological last interglacial — there is abundant need to start looking harder, and in remains were apparent (confirmed by evidence from the continent and different places. environmental sampling), so the only from earlier periods of them feasible dating technique was surviving under analogous conditions Francis Wenban-Smith optically stimulated luminescence — so the presumption is that they (OSL), carried out by Jean-Luc couldn’t get here because of the Department of Archaeology, Schwenninger of the Research Channel. This new evidence suggests University of Southampton. Laboratory for Archaeology and that, rather than waiting around for History of Art, University of Oxford. some reason, Neanderthals entered Samples were taken: (a) from a sand Britain almost as soon as the bed within the underlying gravel Channel sea-level dropped at the sheet; and (b) from a sandy part of start of the last glaciation. In fact the silt/sand body overlying the Kent is probably the first place they occupation horizon. The results reached, having crossed on what suggested that the occupation would have become the exposed HAVE YOU JUST horizon dated to between c. 115,000 plain (‘Boulognia?’) between, and to JOINED THE SOCIETY? and 90,000 BP (years Before the west of, the Dover strait, perhaps Present), corresponding with marine enticed by the visible flint-rich chalk Do you wish you could isotope stage (MIS) 5d-5c, early in downs of east Kent, which also the last (Devensian) glaciation, and a probably supported huge herds of collect all the back issues period when Neanderthals are the desirable large herbivores such as of Archaeologia Cantiana? only hominin species present in mammoth, rhino, horse and deer. Europe, with abundant evidence of their presence known from It is uncertain why it has taken so northern France. long for evidence of this phase of occupation to be discovered, and Britain, in contrast, is currently why it seems so rare. It may be that thought to have been unoccupied we lack, in the UK, deposits of this throughout the last (Ipswichian) period that preserve hominin interglacial, corresponding with MIS evidence such as the last glacial loess 5e, and to have only been reoccupied beds of northern France or the caves in MIS 3, c. 60,000 BP, represented and rockshelters of Belgium. Or it

Now you can have 125 volumes of Archaeologia Cantiana at the amazingly low cost of £31 for individual members and £76 for institutional members on the KAS Sesquicentennial DVD. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To order your copy, send a cheque payable to Kent Archaeological Society to Peter Tann, Town Place, Belmont, Nr ME13 0HE.

Fig. 1.

Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter 3 WHAT’S ON

KAS EVENTS nearby) through the ages. Topics covered will » KAS CHURCHES The place-names of Anglo-Saxon include coastal evolution, vegetation governance, Dr John Baker COMMITTEE VISIT history, recent archaeological work and » Kentish surnames in the Middle Ages, Dr agricultural change from the late Saturday 25 September Paul Cullen A visit is arranged to St Mary’s Church, medieval period onwards. Tickets £7.50 each. Cheques in advance and to St Martin’s Church, please, payable to KAS. A booking form Aldington. We meet at St Mary’s at 1.45 Provisional speakers include: is included in this Newsletter, to be for 2pm and go to St Martin’s at returned by 25 October to Anita » The coastal deposits of Sussex/Kent, approximately 3pm. Thompson (KAS), Brattle Farm, Five Oak Martyn Waller (Kingston University) and Antony Long (Durham University) Lane, Staplehurst. Kent. TN12 0HE. Phone Tour £2. Tea and biscuits £1 extra. A » Holocene fire histories from the edge of booking form for the visit is included in 01580 891222. Email anita@ Romney, Marsh Michael Grant (Wessex this Newsletter (to be returned by 20th anitathompson9.wanadoo.co.uk. Archaeology) September please). Further details from » The evolution of southern Walland Marsh, KAS LECTURES IN THE LIBRARY Mary Berg (KAS), 5 Orchard St, Jason Kirby (Liverpool John Moores) Victorian with Canterbury CT2 8AP. Phone: 01227 » Developer-funded archaeological work on Dr Jacqueline Bower 450426. Email: [email protected] the Romney Marshes, Casper Johnson 20 meetings on Mondays (East Sussex County Archaeologist) » KAS HISTORIC BUILDINGS from 20 September The Godfrey family of Lydd, Kent, Gillian Draper and Teresa Bellinger (University of COMMITTEE CONFERENCE 10.15am - 12.15.pm in the KAS Library, Maidstone Museum: Kent) Saturday 9 October » Cost £80.00 Farming practices on Christ Church Harrietsham Community Centre Priory’s marshland manors in the early 9.30am for 10 am, until 4 pm This class will study developments in the 14th century, Sheila Sweetinburgh This year’s conference will include talks social and economic history of England (University of Kent) by David Martin (Weald & Downland from 1837 to 1914. Topics will include » Changing agricultural landscapes on Open Air Museum): ‘Historic Buildings - electoral reform, the poor law, public Romney Marsh 1790 to1990, Hadrian Linking Documentary and Physical health and housing, the impact of Cook (Kingston University) Evidence’; and David Carder: ‘Kent’s railways and education. Agricultural Heritage in Buildings’. There The conference will finish with a A booking form for this course is included will also be reports on some of the parish discussion of future research on in the Newsletter. studies being carried out as part of the Romney Marsh. Peopling Past Landscapes Project. After EVENTS AROUND KENT the Conference, participants are invited to Tickets available from Hon Sec RMRT, 41 visit St. Margaret’s Church at Wychling Festival of Archaeology Mermaid Street, Rye, TN31 7EU. Please for a guided tour. Coordinated by the Council enclose a cheque for £20 per person for British Archaeology (includes coffee and lunch), made Tickets £10 each. Lunch available, £6 Saturday 17th July payable to the RMRT and post by 1st each. A booking form is included in this to Sunday 1st August September. Enclose an SAE if you wish Newsletter. Further details from: Two weeks of special events nationwide an acknowledgment. [email protected]. held by museums, local societies, national and countryside parks, universities, and KAS PLACE NAMES COMMITTEE heritage organisations. Events listings are Unearthing the Past: Language, CONFERENCE online at http://festival.britarch.ac.uk/. Ownership, Value and Meaning in Saturday 6 November Public Archaeology 10.30am – 4.30pm CONFERENCES Friday 24 (eve), Saturday 25 Rochester Visitor Centre, 95 High & Sunday 26 September Romney Marsh Research Street, Rochester University Centre, Folkestone Trust Conference Three speakers from the Institute for Canterbury Christ Church University, Romney Marsh: recent Name-Studies, University of Nottingham. supported by Council for British and future research Archaeology South East. 11 September 10am – 4pm Programme: Grimond Building, University of Kent A three day conference on Public » Place-names in the Rochester Archaeology at the University’s campus in area, Dr Paul Cullen A one day conference presenting recent Folkestone. The event will also include » Coining names: legends and language in research findings on the physical the CBA South East AGM and will provide Anglo-Saxon England, Dr Jayne Carroll development, human occupation and an introduction to ‘A Town Unearthed: » Lunch (there are many eating places history of the Romney Marsh area

4 Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter WHAT’S ON

Folkestone before 1500’; the new » Ashtead Roman Villa, Dr David Bird or Albert Daniels, tel: 07964 395891 or HLF-funded community archaeology » Rescuing Roman Villa in Kent, Brian Philp email: [email protected]. project for Folkestone. Tickets £5.00 available from CKA, Sandy Bexley Archaeological The conference will explore a range of Ridge, Borough Green, TN15 8HP. Please Group Training Dig subjects concerning public and include SAE. Further details from Ruth Monday 2 - Friday 6 August, community archaeology, and ways in Plummer on 0208 7777872, email: 9am - 4.30pm each day which people imagine, define, value and [email protected] or from Dig takes place at our on-going site in use the past. Examples of innovative Richard Ansell on 01732 884059, or at Bexley. Field walking, geophys, surveying, community-based archaeological projects www.the-cka.fsnet.co.uk. trowelling, finds drawing, section from across the country will be presented drawing, washing finds, talks. and the conference will also feature a range of panels, workshops and stalls. Council for Kentish Archaeology Cost £80 for the week. Minimum age 16 & Kent Local History Federation, (with parents consent). Course is suitable The conference will include a chance to joint Conference for anyone of any ability. For further visit Folkestone Roman villa, being Saturday 7 May 2011 at details and to book a place, please excavated as part of ‘A Town Unearthed’. Crofton Halls, Orpington contact Pip Pulfer on 07961 963893 or This will be the first chance to see this email [email protected]. Visit our important, scheduled, site exposed since Details to follow in the next Newsletter. website to see last year’s trainees - www. 1989 and will provide an example of bag.org.uk. community archaeology in action. EXCAVATIONS VENUE EVENTS Tickets: £30 for the weekend (including An invite from the Shorne Woods Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington Friday evening reception and lecture) or Community Archaeologist (adjacent rail station) BR6 8AF £15 per day (Saturday or Sunday only) or Randall Manor: Season 5 Sunday 18 July: £5 for Friday evening only. 3 July – 1 August Come and visit the Community Festival of British Archaeology: Life in the Roman Villa CBA Members: £25 for the weekend Archaeology Dig at Shorne Woods Special guided tours at 11.00am and (including Friday evening), £12 per day Country Park, running from the 3rd of July 2.30pm followed by demonstration with (Saturday or Sunday only) or £5 for Friday to the 1st of August. Roman artefacts and replica domestic evening only. Including the Medieval Weekend with the objects. Villa quiz for children with certificate and badge to win. Also mosaic Students: (full time education) Woodville Household on July 24th and making, dressing up as Romans, Roman concessionary rates of £15 for the 25th. A FREE event!. games, brass rubbings, sand ‘digging’ weekend (including Friday evening), tray. £7.50 per day (Saturday or Sunday only) Shorne Woods Country Park is just off the or £5 for Friday evening only. A2, east of Gravesend. Normal car parking charges apply. For more Open 10.00am - 4.30pm. Entry £1, concessions 80p. No booking needed. For tickets please contact Stuart Edwards, information please contact andrew. Children to be accompanied. 81 Birch Grove, Hempstead, Gillingham, mayfi[email protected] Kent ME7 3RE, CBASEConference@gmail. Every Wednesday in August: com. Cheques should be made out to Roman Soldiers ‘CBA South East’. Maidstone Area Archaeological Group Find out about the weapons and armour of a Roman soldier. Dress as a Roman Open Day at Roman Villa Soldier and take part in drill practice. Council for Kentish Archaeology & Excavation East Farleigh, near Make a collage of a Roman soldier figure Surrey Archaeological Society Maidstone. Sunday 1 August to take home. Also mosaic making, Joint Conference - Roman Villas 11.00am - 3.30pm dressing up as Romans, Roman games, in Kent and Surrey Tours of the Excavation, Display of Finds, brass rubbings, sand ‘digging’ tray. Saturday 23 October 2 – 5.30pm Poster Displays, Geophysics Old Sessions Lecture Theatre, Canterbury Demonstrations. Sessions at 10.30am and 2.30pm. For Christ Church University Access via Lower Gallants Business Park 5-11 year olds. No booking needed. » Introduction to the Surrey Villas, (ME15 0JS) on Lower Road (B2010), 75m Children to be accompanied. Entry £3 per Dr David Bird west of junction with Gallants Lane. child, accompanying adult free. » Abinger Roman Villa, Nikki Cowlard & Emma Corke Contact: Linda Weeks, tel: 01622 762422

Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter 5 WHAT’S ON

Every Friday in August: Roman knowledge of Roman and Saxon Dover, intended for those who have not Food and Feasting already published in three volumes. previously gained a university Discover what the Romans really ate and qualification. experience a mock Roman feast. Make Admission free to KAS members, a Roman sweet and create a Roman although donations will be welcome. Local History: feast menu card to take home. Also Follow the venue road signs; parking on Popular leisure and culture in SE England mosaic making, dressing up as Romans, the forecourt or in nearby town car parks. in the 19th & 20th centuries (Gill Draper; Roman games, brass rubbings, sand Mainline Priory station is nearby. 10 weeks from September at Tonbridge ‘digging’ tray. University Centre and Ashford Adult TALKS Education Centre). Sessions at 10.30am and 2.30pm. For Crayford Manor House Historical & 5-11 year olds. No booking needed. Back to the Schoolyard: an introduction Archaeological Society Children to be accompanied. Entry £3 per to the history of education (Gill Draper, PROGRAMME OF TALKS 2010/2011 child, accompanying adult free. 10 weeks from January 2011 at Tonbridge » Saturday 9 October 2010 University Centre and Ashford Adult Information about any of the above Romance of London’s River: Southend to Education Centre). events from: Kent Archaeological Rescue Sonning, Tony Farnham. Unit on 020 8460 1442 or email » Saturday 13 November 2010 Life and Work in England, 1560-1760 [email protected]. A Country Christmas, Pat Mortlock. (Jackie Bower, 20 weeks at the Centre for » Saturday 11 December 2010 Kentish Studies, Maidstone County Hall). Kipling - his life and work (in costume), ROMAN TOMBS at KESTON, Geoff Hutchinson. The River Thames from sea to source » Brambletye, Westerham Road Saturday 8 January 2011 1750-1950 (Candie Horton; 20 weeks at A Brief Education, Crayford Town Archive. Sunday 19 September 11am – 4pm Rainham Adult Education Centre). » Free entry with guided tours of the Saturday 12 February 2011 Gad‘s Hill Place - Dickens‘ Little Kentish monumental circular and rectangular Freehold, Anne Carter. Archaeological and Classical Studies: tombs and displays. » Saturday 12 March 2011 How got its Cross, John Halligan. The Age of Stonehenge - an introduction Pedestrian access only. Parking at » Saturday 16 April 2011 to prehistoric archaeology (John Grigsby, Heathfield Road and Keston Ponds. AGM and President’s Lecture. 20 weeks at Canterbury Campus).

Reading Latin Literature: Aspects of the Information: Kent Archaeological Rescue All meetings held at The Baker Trust Hall, crisis of the Roman Republic (Rachel Unit on 020 8460 1442 or email crofton. Maxim Road, Crayford at 7pm for Ollerearnshaw, 20 weeks at Tonbridge [email protected]. 7.30pm. Non-members welcome to Adult Education Centre). attend at a fee of £3.00 per lecture

(except for December when there is an Special Commemorative Full details of these and other courses are additional charge). Enquiries to Mrs J. Archaeological Weekend at Dover available on www.kent.ac.uk/cfl/ccs/ Hearn-Gillham, phone: 01322 551279, Roman Painted House, New Street subject/index.html or in the brochure email: janet.hearn-gillham@ntlworld. Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July, available from the Centre for Flexible com. 10am – 4.30pm. Learning, University of Kent, T: 01227 827647 E: [email protected]. Site Lectures at 11am and 2.30pm by Details of the Society’s summer archaeologists who discovered the House excursions from Mr L Davies on The University’s Certificate and Diploma in 1970. 01322 525335. in Local History will also be offered at the Admission FREE to KAS members on Tonbridge University Centre and are COURSES production of membership card. similarly intended for those who have not University of Kent previously gained a university All KAS members are cordially invited to Local History Modules qualification, T: 01732 352 316 E: visit the Roman Painted House in Dover from September 2010 [email protected]. on the above days. This special shared The University of Kent will be offering a event is to celebrate 40 years (1970- number of Local History and Archaeology/ Certificate in Local History modules: 2010) of non-stop excavation, publication Classical Studies courses at various and public presentation in Dover by the centres, including its campuses at » Using Historical Sources: Kentish Local Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit. The Tonbridge and Canterbury. These courses History Research (Sheila Sweetinburgh) » discoveries in that time have been form part of the Certificate in Combined Poverty and its Problems (Gary Evans) spectacular and have totally transformed Studies, an open entry programme

6 Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter KENT MILLS SOCIETY

Diploma in Local History modules: » Economic and Social Change in Kent FORMATION OF NEW GROUP from 16th to 20th Century (Phil Betts) Do you have an interest in mills and Several speakers then took the floor. » Late Iron Age, Roman and Early milling? The Kent Mills Society (KMS) Wynn Tremenheere from Cranbrook Anglo-Saxon Kent (Colin Andrews) is a new group, formed after the interest Windmill gave an account of the mill’s generated by the ‘Kent Millers Tales’ history. Philip Hicks spoke of the EVENTS ELSEWHERE project in 2006. This project brought all difficulties encountered whilst the Kent mills source material together researching mills – of maps where artistic The Archaeology of under one roof at the Mills Archive in licence had moved or omitted the mill Wooded Landscapes Reading; it was evident that there were and of account sheets where multiple Saturday 12th & a.m. Sunday many people researching the county’s mills in one area made identification 13th February 2011 mills, but little coordination between unclear. His photos of mill bases and Meridian Hall, East Grinstead them. roundhouses now converted for other A joint Conference between the use reminded everyone of what is left of Historic Environment Awareness Discussions between mill owners, the so many of our Kent mills. The future Project (Weald Forest Ridge) and the Mills Archive, interested individuals and of Stodmarsh windpump was discussed Sussex Archaeological Society. KCC (who have 8 windmills in their and a working party arranged to try and care) captured the enthusiasm for a record the remains before it disappears Speakers include: county-wide Society and in May this altogether. Rob Cumming told of his year the first meeting of the KMS took » Della Hooke (Birmingham Uni) researches into Kent millwright William place. An inaugural issue of ‘Cant Post’, Ashby and ended with a brief look at the » Dr Mark Gardiner (Queens Uni, Belfast) the Society’s newsletter, also appeared, newly restored Ripple Mill, mentioning put together by Geoff Holman and Rob » Roger JC Thomas (Military Support the possibility of a visit by the KMS to Officer, English Heritage) Cumming. A dedicated KMS website this mill, not normally open to the » Nicola Bannister (Landscape will be created soon, to share ideas and public. Archaeologist) information more readily. » Adam Mindykowski (Worcs CC – If you would like to know about future Wyre Forest LiDAR) The first meeting took place at meetings, practical activities, mill visits » Vivienne Blandford (Landscape Cranbrook’s Union Windmill. Geoff or research opportunities, email Archaeologist) Holman outlined progress and publicity [email protected] or ring Geoff to date, which included an editorial for Holman on 07960 030095. Conference on Saturday, field trips on the SPAB Mill News (Society for the Membership of KMS is £12 per year and Sunday morning. More details to Protection of Ancient Buildings) and an all are very welcome. follow in the next Newsletter. article in Kent Life. Acknowledgement was made of the donation received from the Mills Archive to help launch the Society.

The Faversham Society Key Speakers Archaeological Research Group Dr. Gillian Draper (University of Kent) (FSARG) presents & Dr. Pat Reid (FSARG) Davington Mysteries October 9th 2010 9.30am – 4.30pm Reports from a recent community based historical and Tickets £15 archaeological investigation into a fascinating corner of (Includes parking, lunch & refreshments) ancient Faversham town.

Guided walks through the parish’s history, including a tour Proceeds to Davington Church. For a booking form around the grounds of Davington Priory (by kind permission Tel. 01795 536254 or email [email protected] of Bob Geldof KBE) Or visit our website www.community-archaeology.org.uk

Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter 7 YOU & YOUR SOCIETY

former church warden at Hever, and letters or check your bank statements the Rev Stephen Mitchell, incumbent MEMBERSHIP very promptly. of Edenbridge. St Peter’s Hever has a 14th century nave and 13th century MATTERS If you have any questions about any north aisle, and was restored in 1894. aspect of membership or would like to The church has, of course, benefited First of all thank you to the (very) few of have some membership application forms from its association with the nearby you who offered to help at the Kent to distribute please get in touch castle, over the centuries. The Bullen County Show. Unfortunately I have had to with me. Chapel was added around 1465, and cancel the KAS stand because of the lack contains the tomb of Ann Boleyn’s of helpers this year. Perhaps more people Shiela Broomfield father, Sir Thomas Bullen, with a very will offer to help in 2011 making it a more fine brass. In the 20th century, the viable project. We are pleased to welcome the Astor family proved great benefactors following new Members: of the church with many fine gifts, At the KAS AGM in Canterbury in May notably the beautiful Astor memorial the rules concerning membership, mainly Student Members stained glass window placed behind concerning a member who has not paid the altar in the Bullen Chapel in 1986. the annual subscription, were clarified Mr G G Johnson, Southfleet, Gravesend and passed as follows: Mr J E York, New Eltham, London St Peter and St Paul’s Edenbridge is also notable for its beautiful modern “Any member whose subscription has Ordinary Members stained glass, in particular the Richard been wholly or partly in arrears for a Mason memorial window, installed in period of one year and three months Mrs M Boniface, Ulcombe, Maidstone the south aisle in 1998, and the west shall immediately cease to be a member Dr P Chowne, Deal millennium window. Like Hever, of the Society” and “Any member whose Mr P L Gibson, Deal Edenbridge has Norman if not Saxon subscription is not fully paid when Mrs R Goodwin, Hythe origins, but the present building is Archaeologia Cantiana or any other Mr A Johnson, Woodingdean, Brighton largely of the 13th and 14th centuries. publication of the Society is published or Mr D M Mullaney, Chestfield, Whitstable The south aisle with its eastern Martyn distributed to members shall not be (or Mrs S Seager, Boughton Monchelsea, Chapel (itself a 15th century addition) become on payment of the arrears) Maidstone is of similar proportions to the nave entitled to receive that publication.” Mr D W Sey, Kidderminster and chancel. The chancel is currently Mr D G Taylor, Broadstairs afflicted by death watch beetle and so Of course these rules only apply to a very Mr K Terry, Coolbay, Cloyne, Co.Cork the Martyn Chapel has been pressed few members as I am so grateful that Mr T Huitson, Canterbury into service as a substitute. This chapel most of you respond to my renewal Mr S Ells, Maidstone contains a large and fine east window from the workshop of Burne-Jones, dating from 1909. Other important KAS COMMITTEE ROUND-UP features in the church are the Norman font, the medieval parish chest and the KAS CHURCHES COMMITTEE Visit to Hever and Edenbridge 15th century nave roof. New members sought The committee’s first churches visit of As the result of retirements, the 2010 took place on a beautiful Spring An enjoyable afternoon concluded committee is seeking new members afternoon on Saturday 24th April. The with tea, kindly provided at from the areas in and around Ashford, neighbouring churches of St Peter’s Edenbridge. Sevenoaks, south-east Kent and Hever and St Peter and St Paul’s south-west Kent. We are also keen to Edenbridge are beautiful buildings Paul Lee have someone (or ones!) with a with similar shingled spires, particular interest in church characteristic of this lovely area of KAS HISTORIC BUILDINGS archaeology. We meet four times a year Kent, and they have much to interest COMMITTEE on Saturday mornings in Maidstone. the visitor. Both churches are The main focus of activity recently has If you think you may be interested in evidently well loved and cared for by been the arrangements for the Autumn joining us, please get in touch with the their congregations. Historic Buildings Conference to be chairman, Mary Berg, 5 Orchard St, held on Saturday, 9 October in Canterbury CT2 8AP (phone: 01227 The new committee chairman, Mrs Harrietsham Community Centre. 450426 and email: maryberg@ Mary Berg, welcomed everyone, and See What’s On for more information. hotmail.co.uk) or make yourself the informative and entertaining talks known at future churches visits. were given by Mr Andrew Izod, a

8 Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter Notes from the Archives

Since the announcement in the last he came to Woolwich as Secretary of Despite being an enthusiastic member issue of the KAS Newsletter the local Charity Organisation Society. of the Woolwich and District regarding the proposed sub- Antiquarian Society, and Surrey committee to focus on industrial Archaeological Society, Grinling archaeology, a number of people appears only to have published one have expressed interest in becoming item on stained glass: Ancient Stained involved. It is not too late, though, Glass in Oxford in 1883, although it is for anyone else with a knowledge clear from his papers that he gave of, or interest in this neglected area lectures with lantern slides in the late of archaeology to join the group. 1890s and early 1900s. He had a If you are interested, the particular interest in stained glass in Committee would very much Kent. In around 1898 he started a welcome hearing from you. survey of old glass in Kent. He sent a standard questionnaire to vicars and Angela Davies kept detailed notes on locations as well as visiting many churches himself. In 1898 it appears that he visited more \ than 30 churches in the county. He Drawing of a window also had volunteers helping him track from church down notes on individual churches He became a Labour Councillor when from secondary sources; one was a NOTES FROM Woolwich became a Metropolitan Miss Lyle, another a Miss Ingles. Borough in 1900. He was involved, Unfortunately, the notes suffered THE ARCHIVES often as chairman, in a wide range of somewhat in the fire at Maidstone Museum. The Kent notes are damaged Stained Glass and activities and associations aiming to in places and some items appear to Woolwich Work improve housing, education, health have been either destroyed, lost or On the evening of Monday 3rd of services and the provision of open May 1937, at 7.30, there was a spaces for recreation. His name is misplaced in the process of rescue. special meeting of the Council in particularly associated with the In a letter he invites a fellow enthusiast the Town Hall in Woolwich. The Woolwich Council of Social Service to come and look through his notes on Mayor, Councillor Miss Mable which he established in 1925. Its aim stained glass and says that he has more Crout, J.P. and Councillor W was to survey and co-ordinate existing than twenty files. We are left with Barefoot presided as the first ever social services and its headquarters was seven rather battered red Stone’s Honorary Freedom of the Borough his own home at 71 Rectory Place. World’s Files and a few loose bundles. of Woolwich was awarded to Mr The obituary of his wife Ethel, in the The notes are those of a true Charles Herbert Grinling, B. A. in Times, 12th January 1929, gives an enthusiast, who collected on all aspects recognition of many years of service impression of amiable chaos and much of stained glass. to the Borough. It must have been activity with visitors from all walks of a significant moment for him as he life. The rooms are described as The remaining notes are on Kent, received the certificate, presented to overflowing with committees and Warwick, France and one file on ‘other him in a casket made from the paperwork. George Bernard Shaw was Countries’, including Italy. Much of timbers of the old ship Arethusa, a visitor to their home and among the material is in the form of perhaps only marred by the absence Grinling’s papers is a cutting from guidebooks, notes from secondary of his wife Ethel, who died in 1929. 1910 showing a stained glass window, designed by Caroline Townsend, sources and newspaper cuttings. Today, the name C H Grinling may depicting Mr Shaw among a group of Fabians. The project on Kent appears to have not be quite so well known, but for been planned as a research project with around 50 years, until his death on The image neatly unites C H publication in mind. Miss Ingles is May 24th 1947, at the age of 86, recommended for the editorial work in Grinling’s politics and his hobby. He he was prominent in Woolwich one letter, but publication never and in the Labour movement. avidly collected information on materialised, squeezed out no doubt by After finishing at Oxford, C H Stained Glass and the KAS holds some the demands of his many other Grinling was ordained deacon in of his notes. The notes may have come activities. 1884 and he was one of the original to the KAS via Alan Grove, who knew residents at Toynbee Hall. In 1889 Grinling from Plumstead Museum. Pernille Richards

Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter 9 Abbey of Cluny Anniversary

Kent and the Abbey of Cluny (founded 910)

2010 is the 1100th anniversary of the founding of the great Burgundian abbey of Cluny, which was to have an influence on monasticism throughout Europe. The KAS Churches Committee are commemorating that event with this article.

The abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul at Cluny in Burgundy was founded in 910 by William I, the ‘Pious’ Duke of Aquitaine and count of Auvergne and, although then fairly modest in size, it was destined to become the most influential monastic house of the early medieval period. William did not impose the usual obligations on its patron, such as installing members of his family as abbots, but only required that prayers be said for him and his family. This paved the way for what became known as the Cluniac Reforms. Cluny was founded as a Benedictine house but it differed in key ways from other Benedictine : its organisational structure, by not holding land by feudal service and by making worship and prayer its main King Stephen with Faversham Abbey occupation. Other monasteries were more like manors and brothers formed an important part of the workforce. buried in the Abbey church but their bones were removed Cluny was responsible only to the papacy, which was itself at the rime of the Dissolution (1538). Sadly, scarcely weak in the ninth and tenth centuries allowing anything survives of this once very large abbey and, of the opportunity to establish its position. that, nothing of the abbey church (smaller than but bigger than Rochester Cluny created a federation of monasteries which spread in Cathedral). It is fortunate that an extensive and well- all directions from Burgundy. Because Duke Richard II of documented excavation started on New Year’s Eve 1964 Normandy used Cluniac priors to revitalise the church in before the abbey site was redeveloped.2 There were many Normandy at the beginning of the eleventh century, finds of building materials, floor-tiles, painted plaster and Cluniac houses were established in England after the stonework, window glass (none inside the church, Norman Conquest. Some of these were independent implying that the glass was salvaged after 1538), human abbeys with links to Cluny and some were priories skeletal material and pottery. subordinate to the abbey of Cluny. The abbeys included Bermondsey, Reading and Faversham. There were a Faversham was a thriving port and important centre in number of important Cluniac priories in England, such as the Saxon period and Faversham Creek may have been Castle Acre Priory in Norfolk, St Pancras Priory at Lewes considered strategic for the defence of the area. The first in Sussex and Montacute Priory in Somerset. abbot was Clarembold, prior of . He arrived in 1148 with 12 monks. They stayed at St In Kent in 1147, King Stephen donated his manor of Augustine’s Abbey in Canterbury during the construction Faversham for the foundation of an abbey there ‘of the of St Saviour, but the work was sufficiently advanced in Order of the monks at Cluny.’ 1 It was dedicated to St 1152 for Queen Matilda to be buried there. Prince Saviour and always maintained its independence even Eustace, who drowned in a notorious accident, the though it was populated with Cluniac monks. King ‘White Ship Disaster’ off Normandy, followed her in Stephen, Queen Matilda and their son Eustace were 1153 and King Stephen only a year after that. Repairs

10 Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter Abbey of Cluny Anniversary were necessary as soon as 1178. Various manors and other the monks in 15th century, the right to appoint abbots of sources of income were granted to the abbey until shortly Cluny was granted to the king of France. This link ensured before it was suppressed in 1538 and in March 1540 it that it was destroyed in the wake of the French was granted to Sir Thomas Cheney, warden of the Cinque Revolution. Its archives were burned in 1793 and the Ports. Much of the stone from the site is believed to have church and cloistral buildings sold as a stone quarry. Less been used to strengthen the fortifications at Calais. than 10% survives of what was once the largest church in Christendom before the completion of (the new) St Peter’s The other Cluniac house in Kent was the Priory of St John in Rome in 1606. the Evangelist at Horton, a dependency of Lewes Priory, in turn subordinate to Cluny itself. Horton Priory was established around 1140 by Robert de Vere and his wife, Adeline. It seems likely that Robert was a member of the family of that name in Ver-sur-mer in the Bessin rather than Aubrey de Vere, Count of Guines who was made Earl of Oxford in 1141 by Matilda, whose family came from Vern-sur-Seiche. Robert de Vere acquired his Kent lands in marriage to Robert de Montfort’s sister in 1119. The manors of Horton and Tinton and the churches of Brabourne nearby, Purleigh in Essex and Stanstead in Suffolk were granted to the priory by the founders.3 In 1275-6, there were 11 monks at Horton, two fewer than the ‘proper’ number; three years later there were 13. In 1279, the priory was said to be in good order with a new roof and extended cloister, however, in 1314 members of an official inspection team (‘visitation’) reported that the Prior was not fulfilling his obligations. As a Cluniac house, Horton was considered to be an alien priory (i.e. French) and during the wars with France it was frequently taken over by the English king until Lewes Priory, with its dependent priories, was declared to be English in 1373. Horton Priory was dissolved in 1536 and has been in private hands since then. Horton Priory; the south-west corner The tantalising few fragments that remain of the 12th of the west front century architecture at the south-west corner of the west front reveal that it was a high-quality building with good Mary Berg decoration in Caen stone.4 The church and other See www.cluny2010.eu for a list of events planned this buildings were taken down soon after the dissolution and summer to celebrate 1100 years since Cluny’s foundation. the stone used elsewhere. There is some evidence of Norman and later medieval work in the remaining western 1 see illustration - Matthew Paris, Historia Anglorum (London, British range of buildings, originally the prior’s quarters, and this Library, MS Royal 14.C.VII, folio 6r) section was converted into a farmhouse. In 1913, the priory was bought by American owners who 2 Philp, B., Excavations at Faversham, 1965 (Kent Archaeological commissioned George Hornblower to create a stylish Research Group, 1968) country house for them. That house remained in the same family until 1998 when new owners turned it into a house 3 Victoria County History, Kent, vol.2, p.151-3 for 21st century living while, with advice from English Heritage, retaining its best features. As this is written, the 4 Archaeologia Cantiana, 10 (1876), Monks Horton Priory, Charles priory is on the market. Baily, Esq., Architect

Cluny itself was, of course, not dissolved in the 16th century, but as a result of the various wars of religion in the 14th century and the extravagant life-style adopted by

Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter 11 The South East Woodland NEW BOOKS Archaeology Forum

SEWAF is intended as an open The Survey of Kent forum for anyone interested in documents relating woodland archaeology. There are no subscription fees. It operates entirely to the survey of on the basis of members volunteering the county their time and expertise, and has no conducted in 1086 funding. It is run by a committee of four people, two of whom are Colin Flight archaeologists and two woodland owners. Plumpton College investigating British Archaeological Reports, archaeology within woodland at Flimwell British Series 506, 2010. During the winter months (roughly ISBN 9781407305417 £51.00. October to April) SEWAF is often SEWAF works closely with the 314 pages; 25 tables; 20 figures. asked to do quick walkover surveys Historic Environment Awareness of woods. There is no charge Project, a three-year Heritage The description of Kent contained involved. Walkovers comprise a Lottery-funded project concentrating in ‘Domesday Book’ does not stand reasonably comprehensive ground on the Weald Forest Ridge, an area alone. At the time of the ‘Survey of survey combined with a look at older stretching from Tonbridge to the whole of England’ – the survey maps. We hope to see all the features Horsham. The area is heavily conducted in 1086 by order of King in a wood, but inevitably there will wooded. The project is formulating William I – there were four ancient survey, identification and research be things that are missed. More churches existing in Kent: Christ ‘toolkits’ for wooded landscapes. importantly, the aim is to give the Church and Saint Augustine’s in landowner an idea of whether they Canterbury, Saint Andrew’s in are likely to have features which are SEWAF also promotes woodland archaeology in the south east by Rochester, Saint Martin’s significant and how they might take in Dover. their research forward. Sometimes a running introductory courses in woodland archaeology, giving talks written report is provided, but often From the archives of three of them there is no call for one. to local interest groups, providing conducted walks round woods, (all except Dover) copies of We’ve been asked advising on who to contact for documents survive which are more » specialist information and providing or less closely related to the Survey. by farmers to look at their training for would-be surveyors. The wooded areas, group’s website, www.sewaf.org.uk, The aim of the present book is to » by woodland owners to see what’s provides information about all this, bring together all the relevant there, plus information about woodland written evidence, so as to enable a » by wildlife trusts to guide their archaeology in general. better understanding of it. A few management, documents are printed here which » by estate managers to provide a We will be manning stands at the have not been printed before. For basis for educational material, Kent County Show in July and at those which have, this book » by the Forestry Commission to the Weald Woodfair at Bentley, East provides a more accurate text than Sussex in September. prevent damage to features from any previous edition. For example, harvesting operations, the transcription of the ‘Domesday » Meetings are held twice a year at by woodland agents to prepare a Book’ text given here includes a few report for potential buyers. Bedgebury Visitor Centre, Flimwell and visits to woodlands take place words which have become Some of the woods are on private throughout the year. undecipherable in the original, but land and some are open to the which were still legible when a copy public. So far, SEWAF has been Anyone interested in joining in with was made in the 1760s. That is the asked to look at woodlands in Kent, any of these activities should get in same copy used by Edward Hasted, West and East Sussex. Some were touch with [email protected] who whose ‘History of Kent (1778–99) large (up to 400 acres) and some as will be happy to put you on the was the first serious attempt to small as 5 acres. One of the aims of emailing list. reconnect the written evidence with the group is to ensure that the actual landscape. archaeological features found in David Brown woodland are recorded on the county HERs.

12 Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter LETTERS

For anyone interested in the workings Metalworking waste, furnace debris Dear editor of the Survey, or in the topography of and tools suggest the mills formed medieval Kent, this book will be part of an industrial settlement. Possible discovery indispensable. of the ancient Darent Other metal objects include parts Valley route? All BAR books and a full list of of pewter dishes, fragments of a available titles can be ordered from: lead tank and a group of unusual Some believe that the road from lead alloy pendants which may Dartford to Farningham and beyond, Hadrian Books have been made at the site in the 122 Banbury Road late fourth or fifth century. The past Lullingstone Villa and the Oxford OX2 7BP publication includes specialist Castle, could be the course of the old Tel 01865 310431 reports on the many small finds, route, all to the west of the river. Fax 01865 316916 the mills and millstones and Many believe it can be traced along email: [email protected] the extensive assemblages of existing footpaths running beside the UK Delivery - £2.00 per order Roman pottery. river; they point to stretches that run straight, believing they are Roman in The Roman Watermills origin. Maybe some are, but the and Settlement at earliest route will have predated that Ickham, Kent period by a few millennia, going back to the Neolithic at least. The Paul Bennett, Ian Riddler and Christopher Sparey-Green prime candidate therefore is likely to be a route running along the eastern ISBN 978-1-870545-19-8 slopes which catch the sun and therefore stayed warmer and lighter This is the account of ‘rescue’ for longer and drier underfoot. excavations undertaken in the early 1970s during gravel quarrying beside No doubt others will have considered the Little Stour at Ickham in Kent. this possibility, but it seems that Frank Jenkins, a Society member for nobody has actually found the course 50 years, alerted Jim Bradshaw, Votive wooden (maple) figurine of this ancient route. another stalwart of the KAS, to the from Ickham, the only one from presence of archaeological remains and Britain of Roman date (calibrated I believe that I may have uncovered it was not long before the likely radiocarbon date of AD 30-320) importance of the site became its true course. Starting from an area apparent. Together the pair mobilised near the Thames, it can be traced as a This long awaited publication, the the Canterbury Archaeological Society footpath running south from the fifth monograph in the and the Ashford Archaeological marshes along the east side of the Archaeology of Canterbury (New Society. In his foreword to this river Darent. Passing Dartford, it Series) is available to KAS members publication, Dr Christopher Young continues along the course of a for the special price of £30.00 until applauds the important work carried modern lane to an area known as the end of September (full price out by these groups. £40.00). It can be ordered from Blackdale, which I understand was once a silted-up boggy area running Four watermills were identified at Oxbow Books via their website east-west. This was bypassed by a Ickham, flanking a road, possibly the (www.oxbowbooks.com), by track leading east to a point where it main Richborough to Canterbury telephone (01865 241249), email route. The earliest mill was in use in ([email protected]) or by was possible to again travel the early third century AD, the others post from Oxbow Books, southwards, then the route climbed during the fourth and early fifth 10 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, up a gentle slope to a point just century. The timber mill buildings and OX1 2EW. Quote code ICK 10 to north of Roman Villa Road. From channels were associated with fourth- receive the reduction. here the route is followed by modern century pottery, coins, a wooden votive roads in an unbroken line to Otford. figurine and many other finds.

Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter 13 Letters

I put forward a number of pointers adding weight to the theory, Roman Cante including recently discovered sites The redevelopment of the found beside its course dating from Beaney Institute in Canterbury the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Bronze includes the construction of a Age, Iron Age, Roman and Saxon large cellared extension at the periods. Prehistoric branch routes rear. Canterbury Archaeological Trust has just completed an lead from it and a possible banjo excavation there which revealed enclosure sits nearby. Saxon one of the best preserved cemeteries, Medieval manor houses sequences of Roman occupation and chapel sites, and most of all the recorded in Canterbury. churches, are also found east of the Situated immediately adjacent river Darent near the proposed route. to the forum and one of the Metalwork found adjacent to it principal Roman roads, the site dates from the Bronze Age, Iron was clearly likely to produce Age, Roman, Saxon, and later interesting results, and did Medieval period. not disappoint.

This is a brief summary only; The main excavation area was small, only 13 by 10 metres, information relating to the above but after removal of 750mm of awaits publication. If you are modern overburden a virtually interested in discussion of the route undisturbed sequence of do get in touch. Roman stratigraphy, ranging from 1.25 to 1.75 metres deep, Del Cook was discovered. The site was [email protected] dug to the formation level of the new building, and also the There is just one untouched section safe working depth of the sheet of this ancient route remaining, piling. A further 900mm of north of Roman villa road, Darenth. very early post conquest levelling and metalling deposits was seen to survive beneath this.

The corner of a substantial masonry building, with surviving walls 3m and 8m long extending beyond the excavation boundary, was excavated. Initial indications are that this is of an unusually early Roman date. A later extension formed a portico fronting the road; outside the building was a metalled courtyard. This early masonry building was followed by a sequence of at least a dozen more ephemeral timber buildings. One of these contained an oven with sheep jaw bones strewn on the

14 Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter Roman Canterbury rbury – undisturbed stratigraphy revealed

The early Roman masonry building

INSERT: Fine gold bracelet found in the collapsed material of the burnt down building

surrounding floor. Fine painted was later covered by various timber pits cutting the Roman deposits and plaster was recovered from levelling buildings, so that first indications are that most of deposits amongst this sequence ultimately only a small part of it these are early (c twelfth century) of buildings. survived as a lane running parallel with little later activity occurring with the main road. This lane was until the eighteenth century. The pits A later building that had evidently cut by late Roman buildings and an produced an excellent assemblage of been destroyed by fire contained the Anglo-Saxon grübenhaus. pottery and two cresset lamps as well remains of a timber floor. It appears as several high quality items of that the early metalled courtyard There were a number of medieval worked bone.

The Beaney Institute was built on the site of two inns, the Greyhound and the George and Dragon, a coaching inn with a documented history going back to 1692.

A collection of fine eighteenth century stoneware tankards quite likely came from these establishments.

Mick Diack Canterbury Archaeological Trust

Roman brooch from the building with the oven

Summer 2010 - KAS Newsletter 15 KAS Awarded

Excavation project awards were presented to Ed Hancock of Marston Inns and Taverns for its support of archaeological work in advance of the development of a new Public House at The Meads, Sittingbourne and to Fresca Limited for its support of extensive archaeological work during the development of a major greenhouse complex at Thanet Earth, near Monkton on the Isle of Thanet.

A special award was given to the Manager of Debenhams, Canterbury, in recognition of work on its store in Sun Street. Although the restoration and refurbishment took place a few years ago, this project is still Awards for Helping to Safeguard Heritage considered to be a model of Canterbury Archaeological Trust has recipients by thanking the Trust and developer, local authority and presented special awards to supporters the developers present for choosing archaeologist working together. of its work in the county. Canterbury’s Canterbury Archaeological Trust to Winners (l to r): Graham Lloyd-Brunt, Lord Mayor, Harry Cragg, presented undertake the archaeological works at Calico House; Paul Markham, Marstons the awards in the new exhibition at the their sites, listing the virtues and Inns and Taverns; Judy Whittacker, Fresca Canterbury Whitefriars Roman Tower. advantages to site developers and to Group; Canterbury Lord Mayor Harry Awards were presented for building the communities of Kent of having a Cragg; Jonathan Dowsett, Debenham’s recording and excavation projects dedicated, local, archaeological unit Canterbury; Paul Markham, Glengate Developments and Chris Pout, President undertaken by the Trust and a special working in the county. Kent Archaeological Society. award was made for support of the Trust’s Education Service. Building recording awards went to Graham Lloyd-Brunt and Ewan Kent Archaeological Society President, Brown for their restoration of Calico Chris Pout, was presented with the House Newnham and to Glengate award in recognition of the county Developments, represented by Paul society’s long term and valuable Markham, for redevelopment of the support of the Trust’s commitment to former Boots premises at the corner of bringing archaeology into the Mercery Lane and High Street, classroom. The award celebrates Canterbury where historic properties twenty years of partnership between have been converted into new shops the Trust and the Society in running and apartments looking out on the ‘Archaeology in Education’ service the Cathedral. to schools and communities in Kent. Mr Pout responded for all the

Copy deadline for the next issue is Wednesday 1st September. The editor wishes to draw attention to the fact that neither she nor the Council of the KAS are answerable for opinions which contributors may express in their signed articles, each author is alone responsible for the contents and substance of their work. EDITOR: LYN PALMER 55 Stone Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2QU Telephone: 01892 533661 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

16 Summer 2010 - Published by the Kent Archaeological Society, Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Gallery, St Faith’s Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME14 1LH www.kentarchaeology.org.uk