Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1972 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1972 CoUNorr. presents its One Hundred and Fourteenth Report and the Statement of Accounts for l 971. OBITUARY Council records with great regret the deaths of Mr. G. A. Gale, of Sevenoaks, our member since 1926, and of Dr. E. V. Piercy Fox, Member of Council from 1966 to 1972. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting was held at the Corpus Christi Fraternity Hall on 20th May, 1972, when Council's Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for 1971 we1·e received and adopted. Mr. K. A. Pollock, F.C.A., was re-elected Honorary Auditor of the Society. The proposed amendments and additions to the Rules, as set out in the schedule circulated with the Agenda, were adopted without amendment. One Institutional member, one affiliated Society and 24 new individual members were elected. After the luncheon interval over one hundred members and their friends heard two most interesting and well-illustrated talks. Mr. G. de G. Sieveking, M.A., F.S . .A., of the British Museum, described his recent pal.reolithic excavations at the inter-glacial site at Northfleet and Lieutenant-Commander A. H. Waite, R.N.R., of the National Maritime Museum, gave an entertaining account of the discovery and preservation of the Graveney boat. CoUNon. At the Annual General Meeting the following were elected to Council: Mr. C. R. Councer, F.S.A.; Mr. K. W. E. Gravett, M.Sc. (Eng.), F.S.A.; Mr. R. H. Hiscock, LL.B., F.S.A.; Mr. M. A. Ocock; Miss Anne Roper, M.B.E., J.P., F.S.A.; and Canon B. J. Wigan, M.A. Mrs. M. Bowen, B.A., was elected to Council in place of Major H. R. Pratt Boorman, resigned. Mr. R. H. Hiscock was elected Chairman of Council in the place of Mr. C. R. Councer, resigned. In recognition of their long and devoted service to the Society, Mr. R. H. Goodsall, F.S.A., F.R.I.B.A., and Major H. R. Pratt Boorman, C.B.E., M.A., D.L., have been elected Vice-Presidents. L00AL ORGANIZATION The following changes in Local Secretaries have been made: Ashford: Mr. J. Bradshaw in place of Mr. E.T. Mortimore, M.A., resigned. Dartford: Dr. P. H. G. Draper, B.Sc., Ph.D., in place of Mr. H. J. Balls, resigned. Dover: Mr. W. Taylor .Allen, in place of Mr. E. H. Bayly, resigned. Folkestone: Rev. A. H. Gibson, M.B.E., B.D., A.K.C., in place of Miss R. E. P. Stuart, Ph.D., resigned. Sevenoaks: Mr. P. E. Leach, in place of Mr. R. D. Clarke, M.A., resigned. The thanks of the Society are due to all those who have resigned for the work that they have done and to their successors for taking their places. xlvi REPORT, 1972 The Calendar of Events seems to have been genera.Uy welcomed as a useful institution. The Honorary General Secretary would like to express his warm appreciation to those members who have helped with its distribution. He would welcome any suggestions as to what else might be included. Members are reminded that material for inclusion in each issue should be sent in by 1st March, 1st June, 1st September and 1st December, respectively. BRANCH REPORTS Maidstone Branch. Reported by Mr. P. E. Oldham, B.A. Maidstone area members decided at a meeting in December, 1971, to establish a Branch of the Society to provide lectures on the locality, to promote discussion of research work prior to publication and to give an opportunity for members to meet more frequently. It is hoped that such a Branch will attract more members for the Society. The 1972 programme has consisted of three lectures: "Excavation of the Romano-British Building in Churchfield, Snodland", by M. A. Ocock; "Some Buildings of Maidstone", by L. R. A. Grove, B.A., F.M.A., F.S.A.; and "Watermills in the Maidstone Area", by R. J. Spain. Tunbridge Wells Bran,eh. Reported by Mrs. M. E. Davies The 1972 programme has included the following: (a) Outings. On 2nd July, Mr. R. F. Childs conducted a. party round the Argos Hill post-mill. On 15th July, Mr. F. W. Gregory showed a party over Nutley post-mill and a visit was also made to the Haxsted Water Mill and Museum. On 9th September, a. whole day trip to the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum also included a visit to Bignor Roman Villa and The Blue Idol, which is a. timber-framed Quaker Meeting House where William Penn worshipped. This was arranged jointly with the Tunbridge Wells branch of the Historical Association. On 5th November, a party visited David Salomon's House and Theatre, Southborough, and the collection of Salomoniana in the Memento Room. (b) Lecture. The Honorary General Secretary gave an illustrated talk on Roman Rochester to a. joint meeting of the Branch and the Historical Association. Both groups look forward to a. visit to Rochester under Mr. Ha.rrison's leadership next swnmer. ( c) Field Work. A number of Branch members took part in the excavation at Hartfield, directed by Mr. J. H. Money, M.A., F.S.A., and in the exploratory excavation on the site of the town wall at Tonbridge under the supervision of Mr. Money and Dr. Ogilvie. A survey of the Via.duct Valley produced evidence of iron-working there, but no definite sites of furnaces or forges were located. (d) Leaflet. The Branch Secretary has drawn up a leaflet entitled "What is a Conservation Area?". Copies can be obtained free on receipt of a stamped and addressed envelope from: Mrs. M. E. Davies, B.A., 14 Victoria Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells. MEMBERSHIP The Society attracted over one hundred new members during 1972, and the total membership now stands at 1,202. This welcome increase on last year reflects the membership promotion efforts of individuals as well as contacts established through direct mail, Oantium, and the London xlvii REPORT, 1972 Arch<.eologist. The rising trend in membership numbers must continue, and every member is asked to make a special effort to recruit new members for the Society during 1973. FIN.ANOE The Accounts for 1971, adopted a.t the Annual General Meeting, a.re published with this report. It would assist in the smooth running of the Society if members would pay their subscriptions by Banker's Order and, if possible, enter into Seven-Year Covenants to enable the Society to recover Income Tax on their subscriptions at no cost to themselves. Forms for both these purposes a.re obtainable from the Hon. General Secretary, the Hon. Membership Secretary, or the Hon. Treasurer. A.ROHlEOLOGIA CANTIA.NA Volume lxxxvi was published early in 1972. The volume maintains its unbroken high standard, under the editorship of Mr. A. P. Detsicas, M.A., F.S.A., and the papers it contains cover a wide field of Archreology and History, designed for the interest of every member of the Society. ExounsIONS Four excursions were arranged this year. These were generally well attended but it is to be regretted that the coach has to run with many empty seats. The sites visited a.re listed below. Saturday, 13th May. Thar.cted: Thaxted Town, Thaxted Church and Guildhall: Mr. K. C. Newton and Mr. S. E. Rigold. Little Maplestead Church: Mr. S. E. Rigold. Creasing Temple Barns: Mr. S. E. Rigold. Thanks are also due to the Rev. Jack Putterill, Vicar of Thaxted; the Rev. K. F. Belben, Vicar of Little Maplestead; and Mr. A. L. Cullen and Mr. P. Bayliss, of Creasing Temple, for their help and kindness. Saturday, 24th June. Greenwich: Charlton House: Mr. John Newman. National Maritime Museum: Mrs. Johnson. Morden College: Mr. H. W. Maxwell. Thanks are also due to Lt.-Commander A. Waite, of the Maritime Museum, and to the Warden of Charlton House for their help. Saturday, 22nd July. Oranbrook: Union Mill, Cranbrook: Mr. K. W. E. Gravett. Ice House, Benenden School: Mrs. M. C. Lebon and Mr. J. E. L. Caiger. Cranbrook Museum: Mrs. M. C. Lebon and Mr. K. W. E. Gravett. Cranbrook Church: Mr. C. Pile. Ki1ndown Church: Rev. T. W. P. Johnson. Thanks are due to Mrs. M. C. Lebon, Local Secretary for Cranbrook; Mr. E. Uren, Union Mill; Miss Clarke and M1:. and Mrs. C. K. Trewby, Benenden School; and the Rev. C. A. Luckett, Vicar of C1·anbrook, for all their help and kindness. xlviii REPORT, 1972 Saturday, 16th September. Eastry: Chart Mill, Faversham: Mr. W. Bunting. Chillenden Mill: Mr. K. W. E. Gravett. Barfreston Church: the Priest in Charge. Eastry Church: Rev. F. J. Cooper. Thanks are also due to Mr. J. Cadman, of the Faversham Society; and Miss Kenyon, of Barfreston, for their assistance. The Society is grateful to all the guides mentioned above who did so much to make the visits enjoyable and interesting. The Excursions Secretary would always be happy to receive suggestions of sites to visit. RECORDS PuBLIOATION COMMITTEE The Committee has met twice since the last Annual General Meeting, its principal business being to discuss with Messrs. Phillimore details regarding the future publication policy, use of offset litho methods, etc., and in particular the imminent publication of the Oustumale Roffen-si8, edited by Canon B. J. Wigan. It is hoped that this book will be issued by the end of 1973 and that, although it is a Latin text, it will help to fill a serious gap in the published records of medieval Kent and that members will support this venture. Among forthcoming volumes is likely to be one on the making of the Medway Navigation, the editor being Dr. A. J. Allnutt, of Chislehurst. PLACE-NAMES Progress is being made by the English Place-Names Society, and in this respect some 80 of the tithe awards for Kent have been indexed by volunteers so far. This still leaves over 300 awards untouched but is a valuable contribution to the overall work. If any other member would like to assist will they pleaae write to Dr. F. Hull at the County Archives Office, County Hall, Maidstone, ME14 lXH. LIBRARY AND CoLLEOTIONS The following books and booldets have been added to the library: Guide to the I{ent Oount,y Archive8, by Felix Hull (K.C.C., 1958); Guide to the Kent Oounty Archive Office, first supplement, 1957-1968, by Felix Hull (K.C.C., 1971) (purchased); The Pa1-ish Ohurch of All Saint8, Woodchu1·ch, by M. H. Mansell, given by the author; The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial, by R. Bruce-Mitford; The Angles, the Saxon8 and the Jute8, by J. N. L. Myres; New Avenue8 in English Local History, by A. Everitt, given by P.J. Tester; Before the BawdyOourt, (Ed.) P. Hair, given by the publishers; Sturry, (Ed.) K. H. McKintosh, given by the editor; The Parish Ohurch of St. Tlwma8 Becket, Fair.field, by the Rev. D. L. Cawley, given by the author. The two volumes of the Penguin Buildings of England, North East and East Kent and West Kent and the Weald, by J. Newman, stolen from the library, have been replaced. The more :important finds from the 1955 excavations at the AngloSaxon cemetery at Lyminge, carried out on behalf of the Society by Mr. A. Warhurst, have now been deposited at the museum and put on display: grave 60: 2 bronze-gilt small square-headed brooches, 2 button xlix 4 REPORT, 1972 brooches, silvered bronze buckle; grave 61: 2 button brooches; grave 62: silvered bronze buckle and long bronze pin; grave 63: glass cone beaker. The button brooches and small square-headed brooches have been restored by the archmological laboratory of the S.E. Musewns Federation. REPORT OF '1.'RE C.P.R.K.fK.A.S. PRESERVATION OF .A.NcmNT BUILDINGS COMMITTEE, 1971-72 (1) Listed building consent to demolish nos. 20-22 High Street, Queenborough-in-Sheppey was refused, and the building was put up for sale by the Borough Council, and has been sold for conversion into flats, while retaining the frontage. The Kent Building Preservation Trust informed the Borough Council that it would not make an offer, as it was not in competition with anyone wishing to restore the building, but that if the Borough Council was dissatisfied with offers received, the Trust would like to know at what price they would be prepared to sell the building to the Trust for restoration. (2) Yet another application for listed building consent to demolish Oak Fannhouse, Head.corn, was submitted, and the Secretary of State decided to call in the application for his decision. The Committee sent in written representation to the local enquiry, and Mr. Robert Kinsey, a barrister living in Headcorn, presented its objection, also that of the Weald of Kent Preservation Society and of local residents. The Secretary of State has again refused listed building consent, and one wonders what the owner, and the development company anxious to acquire the site, will now do. It seems to be a serious flaw in the law that allows an owner of a listed building to go on presenting applications for consent to demolish it, while doing nothing in the meantime to maintain it. (3) Anxiety continues to be felt about the deteriorating condition of the Archbishop's Manor House at Cha.ring. This fine group of buildings has recently changed hands and West Ashford R.D.C. has obtained another report on them from S.P .A.B. A meeting of interested parties, to which the Committee has been invited, has been arranged, which would include officials from the Department of the Environment, but it has not yet taken place. (4) Some anxiety is being felt by the Committee on account of the succession of applications submitted by the Port Authority to demolish listed buildings in Sheerness Dockyard. It would appear that no coherent plan for development of the dockyard exists, and piecemeal applications are being submitted to demolish buildings one by one. The Committee requested the Secretary of State that a survey should be made of all the buildings in Sheerness Dockyard, and that a note should be made of those which ought to be retained. The Department of the Environment has now arranged a local enquiry at which all the applications in respect of listed buildings will be considered together, and is arranging for all the unlisted buildings to be inspected. {5) The most interesting Cliffe Rectory near Rochester, with a. history dating from the early part of the thirteenth century, when it was built by Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, and in one of whose rooms the Magna Carta is reputed to have been drafted by him, has been sold for £38,000. It is not known who was the buyer, but one wonders whether he is connected with the application by Burmah•Total to construct a REPORT, 1972 huge oil refinery on Cliffe Marshes. A local enquiry was held into the application, starting on 11th April, 1972, at which a O.P.R.K. representative gave evidence, and one feels oonfident that Charles Dickens must have turned in his grave when he got to hear of the proposed development. (6) It would appear that at last Nepicar House, Platt, which occupies such a prominent position at the motorway interchange where the recently constructed extension of the Ditton By-pass joins the A20 near Wrotham, is being restored. The Committee has been trying since 1962 to get this attractive building, which has a fine Queen Anne elevation applied to a.n older Jacobean house, restored, and has supported each of the several applications submitted over the years to turn it into a hotel/motel, or a club. There have also been applications to demolish it and to construct a warehouse or a petrol filling station on the site, which the Committee opposed, and in 1964 the Committee was responsible for getting a Building Preservation Order placed on it after Malling R.D.C. had resolved not to make an Order, a decision which they later reversed. (7) It would take up too much space to enumerate all the applications for listed building consent to demolish buildings included in the Statutory List which have been referred to the Committee by Kent County Council during the twelve months' period, but it is very gratifying to see the Committee's name among the list of addresses, which include Ancient Monuments Society, S.P .A.B., Council for British Arch::eology, Royal Commission on Historic Monuments, etc., to whom Kent County Council sends applications for their observations. (8) The Committee, having received a number of complaints at the small amount of money allocated each year by Kent County Council to grants under the Local Authorities (Historic Buildings) Act 1962, gave some thought to a suggestion that tax concessions on money expended on maintenance and report of ancient buildings might not be a better method than giving direct grants. At one of the Town and Ootmtry Planning Institute's Summer Schools, a speaker was reported to have said that it would ease the burden on those occupying them if local government was able to reduce rating assessments, and if the central government would extend S.E.T. and other tax concessions in their favour. Tax concessions had been proposed in the Gowers Report in 1950, and the suggestion of reducing rating concessions had, it is understood, been ma.