Kent Archaeological Society

Founded in 1857 to promote advances in knowledge of Kent’s past by fieldwork, documentary research and publication.

News

Events
Shakespearean Theatre in London and Shakespeare in Faversham
Nov 20
Shakespearean Theatre in London and Shakespeare in Faversham

An event hosted by The Faversham Society about the uncovering of two sites of Shakespearean theatres in East London at the Assembly Rooms on Weds 20 November, at 7.30pm.

Randall Manor revealed: community archaeology excavations in Shorne Woods Country Park
Dec 5
Randall Manor revealed: community archaeology excavations in Shorne Woods Country Park

An online talk by Andrew Mayfield, Community Archaeologist for Kent County Council and the Royal Parks at Greenwich, on the history of the site, the big dig over ten seasons and the work to further research and report on the former home of a Sheriff of Kent.

Trosley Community Excavations
Dec 9
Trosley Community Excavations

In 2022 and 2023, the Kent Archaeological Society undertook a remarkable community archaeological excavation at a potential high-status Romano-British site in Trottiscliffe, near Gravesend. Co-led by KAS General Manager Richard Taylor, this project has unveiled fascinating discoveries that connect us to our rich history.

Animals and Humans in the Late Iron Age art of England and Wales, with special reference to Kent
Jan 23
Animals and Humans in the Late Iron Age art of England and Wales, with special reference to Kent

The latest in a series of online talks hosted by the KAS with Dr Reb Ellis-Haken, Postdoctoral Research Associate with the University of York Department of Archaeology.

A History of Pirates with Kent Archaeological Society
Feb 27
A History of Pirates with Kent Archaeological Society

Join us for a welcome drink and an hour or so immersed in a discussion on Piracy in 16th and 17th century Britain through the exploits of Francis Drake and Henry Morgan, led by Kent Archaeological Society.

Sheppey Munitionesses: Women in Sheerness Dockyard in WWI
Mar 20
Sheppey Munitionesses: Women in Sheerness Dockyard in WWI

With Janys Thornton. The next in a series of online talks hosted by the KAS.

Featured
Textus900 at Rochester Cathedral
Jul 1
Textus900 at Rochester Cathedral

A series of exhibitions and events to mark 900 years since the compilation of the most exceptional treasure at Rochester Cathedral.

Lives in Our Landscape Gallery at Maidstone Museum
Jun 5
Lives in Our Landscape Gallery at Maidstone Museum

Visit the museum and explore our new, engaging, interactive family experience interpreting the archaeology of Kent.

Local Stories: Memories of Hopping around Brook and Wye, Kent
Oct 18
Local Stories: Memories of Hopping around Brook and Wye, Kent

The next exhibition in the Templeman Gallery at the University of Kent features a collection of images from the KAS Library.

Featured
Shipbuilding at Chatham with Canterbury Expo
Shipbuilding at Chatham with Canterbury Expo

Report by Vanessa Sanderson, Jason Mazzocchi and Kieron Hoyle on the Shipbuilding conference at Chatham Dockyard organised jointly by KAS Maritime Kent Research Group and Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. Featured on the Center for Kent History blog at the Canterbury Christ Church University website.

Maidstone Heritage Strategy
Maidstone Heritage Strategy

The Council is excited to announce the start of a new project to create a Heritage Strategy for the Borough and everyone is invited to get involved.

More Tudors and Stuarts 2025
More Tudors and Stuarts 2025

The latest update by Dr Sheila Sweetinburgh featured on the Center for Kent History blog at the Canterbury Christ Church University website.

CKHH 500th blog – from Yorkshire to Somerset
CKHH 500th blog – from Yorkshire to Somerset

The 500th update featured on the Center for Kent History blog at the Canterbury Christ Church University website.

#HauntedKent
#HauntedKent

We had a spine chilling, spooktacular time hunting down ten of the most haunted locations in Kent for the Halloween season.

Kent: Hop-picking and Dover’s Maison Dieu
Kent: Hop-picking and Dover’s Maison Dieu

The latest update by Dr Sheila Sweetinburgh featured on the Center for Kent History blog at the Canterbury Christ Church University website.

Publications

Featured
Maritime Kent Through the Ages
Maritime Kent Through the Ages

A wide-ranging history of the geography and communities of Kent from the earliest times to the present day. Edited by Stuart Bligh, Elizabeth Edwards and Sheila Sweetinburgh.

Tonbridge Fortress
Tonbridge Fortress

Paul Tritton of the Kent Defence Research Group investigates how a Kent market town prepared to confront a Nazi invasion during Britain’s darkest Hour.

Fortress Maidstone
Fortress Maidstone

By Clive Holden of the Kent Defences Research Group.

Searching for Ebony
Searching for Ebony

Paul and Pat Tritton investigate a long-lost village on an inland island.

Snodland and ‘Cementopolis’ 1841‐1881
Snodland and ‘Cementopolis’ 1841‐1881

By Andrew Ashbee.

An Historical Atlas of Kent
An Historical Atlas of Kent

Edited by Terence Lawson & David Killingray.

Featured
Preliminaries
Preliminaries

Including a tribute to Terry Lawson, Honorary Editor 1998-2024. Archaeologia Cantiana, Volume 145 (2024). Maidstone: Kent Archaeological Society.

Archaeological investigations at the Cluniac House of Horton Priory, Monks Horton
Archaeological investigations at the Cluniac House of Horton Priory, Monks Horton

Giles Dawkes, 2024, Archaeologia Cantiana, Volume 145. Maidstone: Kent Archaeological Society.

The Architectural Development of Horton Priory from its Foundation to the 17th century
The Architectural Development of Horton Priory from its Foundation to the 17th century

David and Barbara Martin, 2024, Archaeologia Cantiana, Volume 145. Maidstone: Kent Archaeological Society.

A Tudor shipwreck on Dungeness: shipping and wrecks around Lydd in the medieval and early modern periods
A Tudor shipwreck on Dungeness: shipping and wrecks around Lydd in the medieval and early modern periods

Gillian Draper, 2024, Archaeologia Cantiana, Volume 145. Maidstone: Kent Archaeological Society.

The excavation of Barrow 4 in the Lord of the Manor barrow group at Ozengell, near Ramsgate
The excavation of Barrow 4 in the Lord of the Manor barrow group at Ozengell, near Ramsgate

Nicholas J.E. Riall, 2024, Archaeologia Cantiana, Volume 145. Maidstone: Kent Archaeological Society.

The Early Medieval Pottery assemblage from the Excavations at Lyminge, 2008-2015
The Early Medieval Pottery assemblage from the Excavations at Lyminge, 2008-2015

Lisa T.D. Backhouse, 2024, Archaeologia Cantiana, Volume 145. Maidstone: Kent Archaeological Society.

Featured
KAS Magazine, Issue 122, Summer 2024
KAS Magazine, Issue 122, Summer 2024

Member Access

Welcome from the Editor
Welcome from the Editor

Richard Taylor, KAS Magazine, Issue 122 (Summer 2024). Maidstone: Kent Archaeological Society.

Member Access

Message from the Chair of the Board of Trustees
Message from the Chair of the Board of Trustees

Kerry Brown, KAS Magazine, Issue 122 (Summer 2024). Maidstone: Kent Archaeological Society.

Member Access

The importance of experimental archaeology
The importance of experimental archaeology

Alexander Read, KAS Magazine, Issue 122 (Summer 2024). Maidstone: Kent Archaeological Society.

Member Access

The Cold War Bunker at Gravesend: Origins and heritage development
The Cold War Bunker at Gravesend: Origins and heritage development

Victor Smith FSA, KAS Magazine, Issue 122 (Summer 2024). Maidstone: Kent Archaeological Society.

Member Access

Fifty years on: My memories of excavations at St Pancras Church, Canterbury, in 1974
Fifty years on: My memories of excavations at St Pancras Church, Canterbury, in 1974

Dr Sam Moorhead FSA (British Museum, 1997-2023), KAS Magazine, Issue 122 (Summer 2024). Maidstone: Kent Archaeological Society.

Member Access

Featured
Sarum Missal, 16th century
Sarum Missal, 16th century

Rochester Cathedral Chapter Library volunteer Beverley Jacobs leafs through the 16th-century Sarum Missal, a remnant from the final days of the Priory Library.

Henley’s Second World War Industrial Air-raid Shelters
Henley’s Second World War Industrial Air-raid Shelters

Victor Smith explores Henley’s Second World War Industrial air-raid shelters.

The Danelaw, 9th-11th century
The Danelaw, 9th-11th century

Dr Alexander Thomas introduces the Danelaw; an 11th-century name for the areas of Northern and Eastern England in which the laws of the Danish Viking empire from the late 9th century until the early 11th century.

Animals and food at Rochester Priory, c.1235
Animals and food at Rochester Priory, c.1235

Dr Christopher Monk explores details about animals and animal products consumed at Rochester Priory emerging from a section in Custumale Roffense concerning the monastery’s lay servants (folios 53r-60v).

Elizabeth Elstob’s excerpts from Textus Roffensis 1712
Elizabeth Elstob’s excerpts from Textus Roffensis 1712

Elizabeth Elstob made a facsimile of Textus Roffensis (c.1123), in two parts. Here, Dr Christopher Monk explores her handwritten copies of the three Old English Kentish law codes, unique to Textus, and her copy of the foundation charter of Rochester Cathedral with its marvellous decorated initial.

The Rochester Bible, c.1125-1140
The Rochester Bible, c.1125-1140

Dr Christopher Monk explores The Rochester Bible; a richly decorated manuscript produced by the monks of St Andrew’s Priory, Rochester.

Resources

Featured
Fun Kids Science Weekly
Fun Kids Science Weekly

KAS General Manager Richard Taylor features on the 27th July episode of the Fun Kids Science Weekly podcast discussing the prehistoric discoveries at the Lees Court Estate Project.

Hythe’s Tale From the Crypt
Hythe’s Tale From the Crypt

Steve Ladner finds out why so many human remains are stored in one place. BBC Radio Kent’s Secret Kent series.

Hop Pickers Tragedy at Hartlake
Hop Pickers Tragedy at Hartlake

Steve Ladner finds out how disaster unfolded in the River Medway near Hadlow.

Radical relationships at Sissinghurst
Radical relationships at Sissinghurst

Steve Ladner explores the LGBTQ+ history at one of our most famous house and gardens.

The tale of Samual Plimsoll
The tale of Samual Plimsoll

The Victorian MP and social reform campaigner is remembered in Folkestone. Jo Burn reports.

Murder in Seal Chart
Murder in Seal Chart

It's 1908 and there's a murder, poison pen letters and suicide. Stever Ladner has more.

Gravesham's Cold War Secret
Gravesham's Cold War Secret

Steve Ladner explores what lies underneath a Gravesend park.

From Chatham to The White House
From Chatham to The White House

Chatham's historic dockyard is where Steve Ladner sought out the tale of a famous desk.

A closer looks at Kits Coty
A closer looks at Kits Coty

Do you know what's just over the hedge as you drive around the county? Steve Ladner stopped and had a look.

The lady launchers of Dungeness
The lady launchers of Dungeness

As the RNLI marks 200 years of saving lives at sea, Steve Ladner speaks to one of few remaining women on hand to launch the Dungeness lifeboat. Photo Credit: RNLI Dungeness.

History, deer and the Fab Four all in one place
History, deer and the Fab Four all in one place

We sneak inside Knole Park in Sevenoaks with Steve Ladner.

Canterbury's stained glass
Canterbury's stained glass

Have you ever wondered who looks after the windows at the Cathedral? Steve Ladner went to find out. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Inside the smallest pub in Kent
Inside the smallest pub in Kent

The Little Gem in Aylesford, affectionately known as the smallest pub in the county and dating back to the 1100s, was closed and derelict for 10 years.

Wouldham's hero
Wouldham's hero

A man buried in a village churchyard next to the River Medway, played a key role in one of this country's key battles. Steve Ladner went along to find out more.

Roman secrets in a Tudor place
Roman secrets in a Tudor place

There are many hidden treasures at Smallhythe Place. Steve Ladner has been for a look.

St Leonard's Tower - what's it for?
St Leonard's Tower - what's it for?

Steve Ladner is near West Malling and asks 'where's the rest of the castle'?

Tragedy on the 'Princess Margaret'
Tragedy on the 'Princess Margaret'

As the RNLI marks 200 years of saving lives at sea, Steve Ladner hears the story of Dover's cross channel catastrophe. Photo Credit: RNLI.

'I knew Chatham's gates would close'
'I knew Chatham's gates would close'

Straight out of school, John De Rose began his apprenticeship at Chatham Dockyard. Jo Burn went to meet him. Photo Credit: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust.

What did the Romans do for Rochester?
What did the Romans do for Rochester?

Steve Ladner digs into the history spanning the River Medway.

Hadlow's towering heart
Hadlow's towering heart

It dominates the landscape but is it a castle, a church or something completely different? Steve Ladner finds out.

Cobham's empty tomb
Cobham's empty tomb

Close to the bustling A2, Steve Ladner finds a folly to human behaviour.

Where war gave way to beauty and calm
Where war gave way to beauty and calm

Step inside the history of Hole Park Gardens with Steve Ladner.

The story of the black Windmill
The story of the black Windmill

It's Rolvenden Windmill and it only survives because of an awful accident.

Dover Castle's most intriguing door
Dover Castle's most intriguing door

'We've known it was there for years but have only just been able to reach it'. Jo Burn hears the stories behind the graffiti door.

'It even smells like a Lancaster'
'It even smells like a Lancaster'

A replica cockpit of an Avro Lancaster Bomber has landed in Manston. And the public can take it for a spin. Jo Burn reports.

Dover's most amazing shortcut?
Dover's most amazing shortcut?

Steve Ladner explores a Napoleonic stairway.

Leather on willow and concrete
Leather on willow and concrete

Steve Ladner takes a wander around the home of Kent Cricket. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alex Pantling.

Switching off the lights at Betteshanger
Switching off the lights at Betteshanger

It's a century since the coal mine opened and 35 years since it closed for good. Jo Burn has been to meet the miner who turned out the lights on an energy source he still believes could have a future.

Earliest known recording of a live Cathedral choir rediscovered, Rochester Cathedral
Earliest known recording of a live Cathedral choir rediscovered, Rochester Cathedral
We Did It Medway
We Did It Medway

A bright, quirky, respectfully irreverent podcast, celebrating the best of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham... and not forgetting Rainham. Or come to that the Peninsula.

Featured
St Margaret’s Church, Rochester
St Margaret’s Church, Rochester
Medieval paintings of St Thomas a Becket Church, Capel
Medieval paintings of St Thomas a Becket Church, Capel
Kent Messenger Archive
Kent Messenger Archive

Kent Messenger’s Decades series explores Kent over the 20th century.

US Flown Aerial Photographs, 1935–1970
US Flown Aerial Photographs, 1935–1970

One of two collections of WW2-period aerial photographs featuring Kent available at the new US National Archives Catalog.

German Flown Aerial Photographs, 1939–1945
German Flown Aerial Photographs, 1939–1945

One of two collections of WW2-period aerial photographs featuring Kent available at the new US National Archives Catalog.

UK Photo Archive website
UK Photo Archive website

Galleries including Victorian and 20th century photos of Kent.

Featured
Archaeological Features
Archaeological Features

The geographic information collated by the Society is made available through ArcGIS.

Kent LiDAR Portal
Kent LiDAR Portal

The Kent LiDAR Portal makes available imagery from various LiDAR datasets from across the county, including the recently obtained high resolution data covering over 190 square km along the Darent Valley and area of the Sevenoaks Commons, at the western end of the Kent Downs AONB.

Kent Maps Online
Kent Maps Online

Kent Maps Online provides a set of themed essays about Kent, a county in South East England, which include interactive maps and images.

Kent Historic Environment Record
Kent Historic Environment Record

The Historic Environment Record is an extensive collection of information relating to Kent’s heritage. The database contains information about 40,000 archaeological discoveries and 18,000 listed buildings, landscapes, excavations and library sources. The HER also contains more than 6,500 archaeological reports as well as aerial photographs and maps.

Kent Landscape Information System
Kent Landscape Information System

The Kent Landscape Information Sytstem (KLIS) contains details on countryside access, landscape character, identifies opportunities for habitat creation and landscape restoration, the Kent habitat survey as well as areas designated for their conservation value.

Ordnance Survey Maps
Ordnance Survey Maps

Maps published by Ordnance Survey and related bodies, including the War Office (ca. 1840s-1960s).

Featured
Allington Castle, 12th-16th century
Allington Castle, 12th-16th century

Allington Castle is a Grade I listed medieval stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone. The castle is not open to the public, but is used as a wedding venue and has featured in several films and television series.

Read more about the Castle today: allington-castle.com

Complete Anglo-Saxon pottery vessel (OZ3108)
Complete Anglo-Saxon pottery vessel (OZ3108)

This complete Anglo-Saxon or Early Medieval pottery vessel is one of 11 intact pots recorded as part of the KAS’ Ozengell collection purchased in December 2022.

Shornemead Fort, 1860s
Shornemead Fort, 1860s

A disused 1860s costal defence fort on the south side of the Thames Estuary between Gravesend and Cliffe, Kent, England.

St John's Jerusalem Chapel, 13th-century, Sutton-at-Hone
St John's Jerusalem Chapel, 13th-century, Sutton-at-Hone

The eastern (chancel) section of the 13th century chapel of the commandery (or preceptory) of the Knights of St John Hospitaller at Sutton-at-Hone, near Dartford.

The Grange folly, Ingress Abbey, 1833
The Grange folly, Ingress Abbey, 1833

“The Grange” is an arched garden folly and tunnels located over the footpath on the south west side of the garden of Ingress Abbey, Greenhithe.

Ingress Park Garden Bridge, 1760s/1830s
Ingress Park Garden Bridge, 1760s/1830s

A garden bridge located at the north end of Vaughan Country Park, Tiltman Avenue, Greenhithe.

Featured
Two medical recipes recorded at St Andrew’s Priory, Rochester, c.1235
Two medical recipes recorded at St Andrew’s Priory, Rochester, c.1235

Transcription of Custumale Roffense 4r-5r by Jacob Scott (reviewed by Dr Christopher Monk). Translation and commentary by Dr Christopher Monk.

Monumental Inscriptions with concise wills of the mural monuments of All Saints Church, Maidstone
Monumental Inscriptions with concise wills of the mural monuments of All Saints Church, Maidstone

Monumental Inscriptions with concise wills of the mural monuments of All Saints Church, Maidstone. Transcribed by D.E. Williams 2022-2023.

The Peace of Edward and Guthrum forgery, c.1002-23
The Peace of Edward and Guthrum forgery, c.1002-23

Dr Alexander Thomas introduces The Peace of Edward and Guthrum forgery, Textus Roffensis, folios 40r-41v.

Concerning a woman’s betrothal, early 11th century
Concerning a woman’s betrothal, early 11th century

Be wifmannes beweddung (‘Concerning a woman’s betrothal’) (early-11th-century). Translation from Old English of Textus Roffensis folios 94v-95r by Dr Christopher Monk.

Monumental Inscriptions on the ledgerstones inside All Saints Church, Maidstone
Monumental Inscriptions on the ledgerstones inside All Saints Church, Maidstone

Monumental Inscriptions on the ledgerstones inside the church with related, concise wills. Compiled and wills transcribed by D. E. Williams.

Featured
The Ozengell Collection
The Ozengell Collection

The latest in the series on online talks hosted by the KAS, featuring KAS Curator Andy Ward discussing the Anglo-Saxon Ozengell Collection.

Dr Simon Elliot at Lympne
Dr Simon Elliot at Lympne

Archaeology in action! The ankle breaker was a nasty feature of Roman defences designed to snap the ankles of anyone attacking their strongholds! An ongoing excavation at Lympne with @kentarchaeologicalsociety_kas may have unearthed the remains of one such defence, outside of a Roman fort that overlooked the English Channel. Featuring Dr Simon Elliott.

Amazing Iron Age coin, more than 2,000 years old!
Amazing Iron Age coin, more than 2,000 years old!

Richard Taylor shows off a Iron Age coin discovered at Lympne in southeast Kent, not far from the Channel. It reveals how people have been living and trading (with coinage) in this part of Britain since Iron Age times, before the Romans.

Sorting through ceramic building material from Lympne
Sorting through ceramic building material from Lympne

Sorting through Roman Ceramic Building Material from Lympne!

Re-investigating Richborough: Correcting the Narrative
Re-investigating Richborough: Correcting the Narrative

An online talk by Philip Smither on the reinvestigation of Roman Richborough.

Cheddar Man and the Genetic Prehistory of Britain
Cheddar Man and the Genetic Prehistory of Britain

An online talk by Thomas Booth, Senior Laboratory Research Scientist at Skoglund Lab Ancient Genomics Laboratory, on ancient DNA and what we have learned about Britain 15,000-2000 years ago.

About the Society

The Society’s interests include all aspects of the human past in the historic County of Kent, including the the Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham lost to London since the Society's founding.

The Society encourages local groups to remain active in fieldwork as well as historical and desk-based research, and makes grants, organises events, publications, lectures and training excavations. The Society also promotes education and the study of history and archaeology in schools and encourages people of all ages to take an interest in the subject. The Society also administers, funds and distributes grants, bursaries and prizes in support of initiatives and projects which meet our core value of bringing the past to the present for everyone.

Featured
Founding of the KAS, 1857
Founding of the KAS, 1857

In soaring language typical of the period, the introduction to the first volume of the Society journal Archaeologia Cantiana, published in 1858, provides insight into the activities and aspirations of those that founded and established the Society in the mid-nineteenth century.

First Annual General Meeting, 1857
First Annual General Meeting, 1857

A report on the Society’s first Annual General Meeting was also featured in the first volume of Archaeologia Cantiana. Amongst other items, resolutions called for the establishment of a Society Library, which eventually took shape within the rooms at Maidstone Museum.

The Origin and First 100 years of the Society, 1956
The Origin and First 100 years of the Society, 1956

Frank W. Jessup writing in 1956 on the origin and first century of the Kent Archaeological Society, featured in Archaeologia Cantiana, volume 70.

First Issue of the KAS Newsletter, 1982
First Issue of the KAS Newsletter, 1982

The first issue of the KAS Newsletter was published in 1982. It has since featured over a thousand articles on Kent archaeology and history, being rebranded and expanded as the KAS Magazine in 2020.

The New KAS Library, 1983
The New KAS Library, 1983

A fire in the west wing resulted in a refurbishment of Maidstone Museum and the establishing of the Society Library as we find it today.

Grant Funds
Grant Funds

In recent decades, generous benefactors have left legacies with the Society and several dedicated research, publication and education grants are made each year.

Launch of the KAS Website, 1999
Launch of the KAS Website, 1999

The KAS Website at www.kentarchaeology.org.uk was a coming together of several online projects in the late 1990s.

Registered Charity Status
Registered Charity Status

The Society became a UK Registered Charity in 2018, with a formal Constitution of the Society's charitable purposes. Branding and the new Society logo are also designed around this time.

Story of the KAS Collections, 1856-2023
Story of the KAS Collections, 1856-2023

An exhibition at Maidstone Museum in 2023 and early 2024 exploring the origins and development of the Kent Archaeological Society Collections.

Featured
The Ozengell Collection
The Ozengell Collection

The latest in the series on online talks hosted by the KAS, featuring KAS Curator Andy Ward discussing the Anglo-Saxon Ozengell Collection.

#MuseumMonday: Copper-alloy sword pommel
#MuseumMonday: Copper-alloy sword pommel

Its #MuseumMonday! On Friday 13th our curator Andy organised a research visit with Professor John Hines, Emeritus Professor at Cardiff University.

#FindsFriday: Illustrating the Ozengell Early-Medieval collection
#FindsFriday: Illustrating the Ozengell Early-Medieval collection

It's #FindsFriday! Our student placement Holly has been hard at work illustrating more of our Ozengell Early-Medieval collection.

#fossilfriday: Fossilised Oyster shell from the Lympne excavation
#fossilfriday: Fossilised Oyster shell from the Lympne excavation

For a late #fossilfriday we have this amazing fossilised Oyster shell from the Lympne excavation last year!

#FindsFriday: Roman paw print
#FindsFriday: Roman paw print

It's #FindsFriday! Our curator has been busy cataloguing more of the Lympne excavation archive from last year, and today's find shows the importance of a secondary sort off site.

Lees Court Lithics
Lees Court Lithics

Yesterday society Curator Andy and #Lithics volunteer Angela headed back to Lees Court Estate to undertake the process of sorting out the flint assemblage so that they can be sent off for specialist analysis.

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Allen Grove Local History Fund
Allen Grove Local History Fund

Promotes research, preservation and enjoyment of local history in the ancient County of Kent.

Fieldwork and Research Grants
Fieldwork and Research Grants

The Fieldwork Committee considers applications for grants for fieldwork/research in Kent.

Hasted Grant Fund
Hasted Grant Fund

Provides authors of successfully completed doctoral theses on the archaeology or history of Kent with grants towards the cost of publishing it in book format.

Ian Coulson Annual Bursary
Ian Coulson Annual Bursary

Bursary open to teachers in both primary and secondary schools to develop classroom resources based on Kent’s local history and/or archaeology.

Thirsk Prize
Thirsk Prize

Awarded to a dissertation judged to be a major contribution to the history or archaeology of Kent.

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Archaeology Research Group
Archaeology Research Group

The KAS has been directly involved in conducting fieldwork in Kent since 1860. Future fieldwork undertaken by the Society will be overseen by the Archaeology Research Group (formerly the KAS Fieldwork Committee).

Historic Buildings Research Group
Historic Buildings Research Group

The group takes an interest in standing buildings from dwellings to cathedrals, arranging events and conferences, sharing resources, and encouraging publication. The group incorporates the areas of interest of the former Churches Committee.

History & Archives Research Group
History & Archives Research Group

Works with the Society Librarian to care and collate the Society's library collections and faciliate access for researchers.

Kent Defences Research Group
Kent Defences Research Group

Researches the county’s defences of all types and periods through the study of records, maps, aerial photographs, ground investigation and by other means.

Place Names Research Group
Place Names Research Group

The study of place names, or toponymy, includes an interest in their origins, meanings, usage and types. The group arranges events and conferences, shares resources and encourages publication.

Maritime Kent Research Group
Maritime Kent Research Group

The Maritime Kent Special Interest Group has been set up as a focal point to support and to disseminate research and information relating to Kent’s rich maritime heritage.

Featured
Portrait of Anne Wyatt/Twysden
Portrait of Anne Wyatt/Twysden

A watercolour miniature in the KAS collections.

Digitisation of Lullingstone Park excavation material
Digitisation of Lullingstone Park excavation material
Kent Estate Plans being digitised
Kent Estate Plans being digitised

The Library is currently involved in a project to digitise the estate plans held within the Gordon Ward archives.

Portrait of Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder
Portrait of Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder

Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder was born c.1503 and died 1542. The son of Sir Henry Wyatt, he became a Sheriff of Kent in 1522, and by 1524 held positions at court, including that of Privy Councillor. He undertook foreign diplomatic missions from 1526, becoming High Marshal in Calais from 1528 – 30, achieving a knighthood in 1535.

Portrait of Elizabeth Golding
Portrait of Elizabeth Golding

The KAS collection includes a number of Twysden/Twisden family portraits that are currently housed at Bradbourne House. When, in November 1937 Sir John Ramskill Twisden died leaving no heir these portraits were bequeathed mainly to the Kent Archaeological Society, with others going to the National Portrait Gallery.

Archives in Action: Boxley Abbey
Archives in Action: Boxley Abbey

Membership

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Members’ Area
Members’ Area

Log in to the Members’ Area to update contact details and subscriptions

Individual Membership - £40 p.a.
Individual Membership - £40 p.a.

Latest issues of the Society’s annual journal Archaeologia Cantiana, KAS Magazine and the E-Newsletter. Publications and events at discounted rates. Use of the Society’s Library and advice from the Society’s network of experts.

Student Membership - Free
Student Membership - Free

Free membership is available to registered students aged 18+ studying any subject at any institution worldwide, entitling them to full member benefits although with PDF copies of Archaeologia Cantiana and the KAS Magazine.

Family/Joint Membership- £60 p.a.
Family/Joint Membership- £60 p.a.

Two adults residing in the same household will receive between them one copy of the publications issued free to members.

Affiliate Membership - £50
Affiliate Membership - £50

Groups carrying out similar work to the Society receive a copy of the member publications, can send a voting member to general meetings, make use of the Society's survey equipment including GNSS and magnetometer, and their members can usually receive the same discounts.

Institution Subscription - £45 p.a.
Institution Subscription - £45 p.a.

Institutional subscribers receive a copy of Archaeologia Cantiana anywhere around the world.

Students

Starting in 2024, our fund will be available to all full-time student members to help cover expenses and costs during your study period. Contact our Student Ambassadors Alex Read at the University of Kent and Grace Conium at Canterbury Christ Church University to learn more about how the Student Fund can support your academic journey.

The Society provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to help conserve, curate, and digitise valuable documents and artefacts from all over Kent. With your help, we can ensure that these treasures are protected for future generations. We would love to hear from you if you're interested in getting involved in an ongoing project or developing your dissertation project.

Patrons

  • Jools Holland

  • The Viscount De L’Isle

  • Professor David Killingray

  • Mr A. I. Moffat

  • The Countess Sondes

  • Dr J. Whyman

  • Professor Sir Robert Worcester

Trustees

  • Kerry Brown

    Chair of the Board of Trustees

    Bio

  • Richard Chaplin

    Bio

  • Liz Dixon

    Bio

  • Simon Elliott

    Bio

  • Kate Kersey

    Bio

  • Ed Knight

    Bio

  • Peter Meddemmen

    Bio

  • Elizabeth Roberts

    Bio

Management Team

  • Dr Richard Taylor

    GENERAL MANAGER

    Responsible for the overall management of the Society’s daily operations, point of contact for the Board of Trustees and all key partnerships with external bodies, including fundraisers and grant-giving bodies.

    Bio

  • Rebecca Fletcher

    DEPUTY MANAGER

    Responsible for financial operations, the VeryConnect Management system, and Line Manager to the Management Team.

    Bio

  • Ann Watson

    ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

    Responsible for membership administration, conference and events planning and external enquiries.

    Bio

  • Craig Campbell

    SOCIETY ARCHIVIST

    Responsible for the care, management and interpretation of the Society’s document collections and Society Library.

    Bio

  • Jason Mazzocchi

    ARCHAEOLOGIA CANTIANA EDITOR

    Responsible for the annual production of Archaeologia Cantiana.

    Bio

  • Jacob Scott

    DIGITAL MANAGER

    Responsible for the development and production of the Society website.

    Bio

  • Brie Thomas

    FINANCE MANAGER

    Responsible for the daily management of the Society’s finances.

    Bio

  • Andy Ward

    SOCIETY CURATOR

    Responsible for the care, management and interpretation of the Society’s object collections.

    Bio