Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1980 Council presents its one hundred and twenty-second Report and Statement of Accounts for 1979. OBITUARY Council records with great regret the death of Mr. S. E. Rigold, M.A., F.S.A., F.R.Hist.S., member since 1955 and member of Council since 1958, of whom a fuller obituary notice appears later in this volume. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting was held at Christchurch College, Canterbury, on Saturday, 17th May, when Council's Annual Report and Statement of Accowits for 1979 were adopted. Mr. K. A. Pollock, F.C.A., was re-elected Honorary Auditor, with a unanimous vote of thanks for his services to the Society. It was agreed that a fee should be offered to Messrs. Hoby, Pollock and Bell, for the assistance of their staff. OFFICERS Honorary Excursions Secretary. Council received the resignation of Mr. H. A. James with great regret, but is happy to report that Mrs. M. Cleggett has consented to assume that office. The President, Vice-Presidents, Hon. Editor, Hon. General Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Membership Secretary, Hon. Excursions Secretary, and Hon. Curator were re-elected unanimously, and the Hon. Librarian after a ballot. COUNCIL The following retiring members of Council were re-elected after a ballot: Mr. F. S. Andrus, Dr. R. H. Cragg, B.Sc., Ph.D., Mr. K. W. E. Gravett, M.Sc.(Eng.), F.S.A., Mr. R. H. Hiscock, LL.B., F.S.A., Miss E. Melling, B.A., and Mr. M.A. Ocock. CALENDAR Material for the Calendar should reach the Hon. General Secretary by 1st March, 1st September and 1st December for inclusion in each issue. Iii MEMBERSHIP Membership of the Society in January 1980 stood at 1370, which shows an increase over last year's total. The Questionnaire showed that in a large majority of cases new members were recruited by contact with existing members, and Council appeals to all members to take every opportunity to expand the Society's numbers and so increase its influence in the County. FINANCE Although the Society's reserves are more than adequate for present needs members will see that their subscriptions now cover less than half the cost of administration and the annual volume of Archaeologia Cantiana. In addition, they will have received a free copy of A Kentish Miscellany and the opportunity of buying the volumes of the Monograph Series at favourable prices. In order to safeguard the long-term future of the Society, council has agreed to increase the annual sum for reinvestment to £2000 and to make a special reinvestment in 1980 of £6000. Rising postal charges and printing costs make an increase in the annual subscription to a more realistic level a matter which Council considers carefully from time to time. It would greatly assist the Hon. Membership Secretary if members would pay their subscriptions as soon as possible after 1st January, preferably by Banker's Order. Current rates are:- Institutional members £6.00 Individual members and Affiliated Societies £4.50 Joint Members £5.50 Junior Members £2.00 Seven- or Four-Year Covenants enable members to help the Society at no cost to themselves. Forms are available from the Hon. Membership Secretary, the Hon. General Secretary and the Hon. Treasurer. PUBLICATIONS Volume XCV was published in 1980. The volume maintains its high standard under the editorship of Mr A. P. Detsicas, B.A., M.A., F.S.A., F.S.A.Scot., and its contents cover a wide field of Archaeology and History. Volume XXII of the Kent Records series, Lost Glass from Kent Churches, by Mr C. R. Councer, F.S.A., will be published in February 1981. !iii Volume II of the Monograph Series, The Roman Villa at Lullingstone, Kent, II, by Lt.-Col. G. W. Meates, F.S.A., will probably be published later this year. A volume of Essays in Memory of Stuart Rigold will also be published towards the end of the year. There has been some unavoidable delay in the publication of Volume I of the new series, The Archaeology of Canterbury, jointly published by the Society and the Canterbury Archaeological Trust, Excavations at Canterbury Castle, by Professor S. S. Frere, C.B.E., F.B.A., F.S.A., Miss S. Stow, B.A., and Mr. P. Bennet, B.A.; this volume is now, however, going through the press and should be shortly available. Volume II of this series, Excavations on the Roman and medieval Defences of Canterbury, by Professor S. S. Frere, C.B.E., F.B.A., F.S.A., Miss S. Stow, B.A., and Mr. P. Bennett, B.A., is also shortly to go through the press. FIELDWORK COMMITrEE A further grant of £100 was made in 1980 to assist the work of Mr. F. H. Thompson at Bigberry hillfort. An interim report on these excavations appeared in the last volume of Arch. Cant. (xcv (1979), 301-3) and in the current volume (pp. 411-3). No other applications for grants were rec􀂓ived during the year ending December 1980, and there appears to be a recent diminution of activity in excavation and other forms of fieldwork in the County. Any applications for financial assistance in the forthcoming season should be made to the Hon. General Secretary by 1st November, 1981. A valuable report has been made by Miss Suzanne Keene on behalf of the Canterbury Archaeological Trust (C.A.T.) reviewing the present facilities available for scientific conservation of archaeological finds, with special reference to the work of C.A.T. It is concluded that the existing arrangements are unsatisfactory because they depend largely on the services of London laboratories for advice and treatment of vulnerable objects, and it is recommended that improved facilities for conservation and storage in the County are essential. The report advises that a new laboratory should be set up in Canterbury which might possibly be used by other bodies than the C.A.T. The cost of basic equipment would be about £4,000, with running costs per annum of approximately £10,000. It will be recalled that, as previously reported, the Kent Archaeological Society made a grant towards this project in 1978-9. At a meeting of the Society's Council in December, 1980, it was decided to withdraw representation from the Committee for Rescue Archaeology in Kent. !iv LIBRARY AND MUNIMENTS COMMI'ITEE Since the serious fire in 1977 (Arch. Cant., xciii (1977), I) the work of rebuilding and then re-establishing the Society's Library has proceeded steadily. After full consultation with Maidstone Corporation's Officers, the library was reconstructed in a 'Queen Anne' style with great attention to detail and to a high standard throughout. This transformation of the fabric of a rather dull room has been accomplished with relatively little call on the Society's insurance claim and with the full support of the members of the Maidstone Borough Council, the Borough Technical Officer and, notably, Mr. R. D. Bates, A.A.Dip., R.I.B.A. of the latter's staff, who has been directly responsible for the design, constructional details and quality of the rebuilding. During the repair of the fire-damage, the discovery of numerous other defects in the structure of the Museum such as the main staircase, delayed the return of our Collections until the Autumn of 1979. The County Librarian and his staff very kindly arranged for their transport from the County Bookstore at the old Malling Airfield to the Museum where they were unloaded and brought to the Library with the aid of the Museum staff. Numerous volumes had, of course, been discarded earlier but, as was feared, many appearing to have only superficial damage had been ruined internally by water. Smoke or water damage to bindings has occurred but is less serious or frequent. Fortunately, almost none of the rare and/or earlier volumes are affected in any way except that some frail bindings have suffered from their numerous moves. All surviving Journals have been sorted, shelved, and partly cleaned and the similar exercise on the topography, genealogy and general section is nearly complete. Some foreign Journals and less used volumes are in store. The collection of notebooks and other manuscript material and the Society's own records have been sorted and some transferred to County Archives. The map and photograph collections are partially sorted out and the slides and blocks of the Society are gathered up to await similar attention. The Library and Muniments Committee held its first meeting in February, 1979, and the Hon. Librarian wishes to express his thanks to the dedicated group of members whose willing and meticulous efforts over many hours have enabled our substantial inheritance to be largely re-created into a firm foundation for future generations to use and build upon. These helpers include Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Connell, Mr. C. R. Councer, Mr. A. C. Harrison, Mr. and Mrs. A. Miles, Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Spain, Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Ward and Mr. A. G. Webster. Iv It is a further pleasure to report that Mrs. W. F. Bergess, A.LA., formerly Kent County Reference Librarian and co-editor of The Kentish Bibliography (1977), began in January last to assist the reaccessioning and cataloguing to the decimal system. We are greatly indebted to her for this generous commitment. The Committee has also formed a travelling bookstall and greatly increased the turnover of the Society in the re-purchase and sale of its own publications. The presence of the bookstall and its stock of ties, headscarves, etc., under the enthusiastic supervision of Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Connell has attracted much appreciative comment from affiiliated Societies. The Hon. Librarian gratefully acknowledges the gift of the following, the first named being the donor: The Author, Report on no. 7 Single Street, Biggin Hill, by I. W.C. Bouskill (1979) A.D. Stoyel, Otford in Kent: A History, D. Clarke and A.D. Stoyel (1980). Mrs. E. F. Forbes, Dartford Historical Notes, S. K. Keyes (1933). Dr. P. Draper, (i) St. George's School, Gravesend 1580-1955, D. W. H. Jenkins (1955). (ii) The Second Dartford Tunnel, Anon. (1980). C. Townsend Hook & Co., Snodland Paper Mill, Townsend Hook and Company from 1854, K. J. Funnel (1979). The Author, 'Deneholes Part 2', being Records Vol. 10 of the Chelsea Speleological Society, R.F. LeGear (1979). Maidstone Museum, Vols i, vi, vii, x, Arch. Cant., (extra large format copies) (1858 to 1876) The Author, 'Interim Reports on the Excavations of the Iron Age Fort and Romano-British Working Site at Garden Hill, Hartfield, E. Sussex', J. H. Money (1978-80) F. G. Rundell, One Hundred Years Wellcome 1880-1980, G. MacDonald (1980) for the Wellcome Foundation Ltd. The Author, The Indents of Lost Monumental Brasses in Kent (and Appendix), A. G. Sadler (1976, 1980), (many of the original rubbings have also been deposited). D. G. Scurrel, The Colour of Heraldry, Anon. (1958). T. W. T. Tatton-Brown, The City Gates of Canterbury, C. Buckingham (1980). M. J. Wright, (i) Bibliotheca Cantiana, J. R. Smith (reprint 1980), ( originally published 1937). (ii) Copy Catalogue Sale of Dr. F. W. Cock's Library (1944). A considerable number of volumes has been purchased, lists of lvi desiderata will be placed in future issues of the Newsletter. Thus, for example, volumes 90-99. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (1956-1967) and volumes I to 58 of the Transactions of the Shropshire Archaeological Society are sought for gift or purchase. EXCURSIONS 1980 Three excursions were arranged to the following sites: May 10th - Winchelsea and Rye The morning was devoted to Winchelsea where our host and guide was Captain H. Lovegrove, C.B.E., R.N. (retd.), and we could not have been in more capable hands. We started our tour in the church of St. Thomas Becket followed by a visit to the town museum in the Court Hall. Members were then privileged to be shown into one of the towns medieval cellars which, being in private ownership, is not normally open to the public and had been cleared of furniture for our benefit. After visiting the Look Out by the Strand Gate our town walk continued to the ruins of the Greyfriars Church and was concluded at the Blackfriars Barn. We cannot thank Captain Lovegrove enough for arranging and conducting such an interesting tour. After lunch we moved on into Rye and started our tour at the Court Hall where the significance of the Civic Regalia was explained to the members. Mr. G. Bagley, the Museum Curator, then conducted us around the town pointing out the buildings of especial interest. After a visit to the Ypres Tower Museum there was only time for a brief visit to the church before we sat down to an excellent tea at Peppers Restaurant. The weather was very kind to us, and it was a great pity that only 22 members came on the excursion and the coach was less than half full. July 5th - Suffolk The first visit was to Stoke-by-Nayland church which was marred a little by the sudden inability of the vicar to conduct members around this interesting church. Arriving at Bury St. Edmund's members made their way to the Theatre Royal where we were met by the Administrator, Mr. Francis Reid. Mr. Reid, to whom the Society expresses its appreciation, gave the members an interesting talk on the survival of this unique Regency theatre by Wilkins before conducting us all over the building. Some members left before this to visit other places of particular interest to them in the city. Unfortunately, we had far too little time to do justice to Bury St. Edmund's, and think that it would certainly merit a longer visit another year. !vii The day was concluded with a visit to Ickworth the remarkable creation of the Earl Bishop of Derry some four miles from, Bury. Members were free to wander at leisure through the state rooms and outside in the gardens. Tea was taken at the house. Twentyeight members went on this excursion. September 20th - Limpsfield and Westerham Due to difficulties raised at one of the houses scheduled to be visited because of small numbers, 12 only, this excursion was cancelled. It would be encouraging if more of our members could join the excursions and thereby make them economically viable. In. these days of high inflation, it is not possible to provide an excursion at a price below £6-7. CHURCHES COMMITrEE The restoration of the tomb of Sir John Roper has now been completed, concluding the work on the monuments in Lynsted Church. Repairs to Molash Church are continuing, and Council has approved a grant of £200 towards the cost of repairs to the stained glass at Upper Hardres. The Committee has been considering the question of the grading of churches by the Department of the Environment, and pressed for Bicknor Church to be regraded, which led to a successful application by the parish for State Aid. A careful watch has been kept on the position at Holy Trinity, Maidstone, where the future building now seems assured thanks largely to practical help from the Royal Engineers. The Society has also offered financial assistance. Work is now in progress in conjunction with the Friends of Friendless Churches on the tower of the ruined Eastwell Church. REPORT OF THE KENT HISTORIC BUILDINGS COMMITTEE - 1980 Membership. The Committee, with all Kent historians, mourns the death of Mr. S. E. Rigold. The vacancy has been filled by the appointment of Mr. I. W. C. Bouskill. Buildings. Some 150 applications for whole or partial demolition of listed buildings have been considered during the year. Among those to which objection was made were: Farnborough Lodge, Orpington; Kippington House, Sevenoaks; 8 New Street, Ashford; 1 and 2 Elwick Road and The Cedars, Ashford; 36 Lower Stone Street, Maidstone; 29/31 Mackender's Lane, Eccles; 203 High Street, Rochester. In all these cases permission to demolish was not granted. 1-3 Mill Place and 5 Conduit Street, Faversham. I viii Permission to demolish nos. 2 and 3 Mill Place has been granted, but not the rest of the block, and this was considered a reasonable compromise. 1-12 Ordnance Terrace, Chatham. Permission to demolish refused. Steps are being taken to see that the properties are repaired and no. 11 is to be acquired to be made into a Dickens museum. The Committee's suggestions in other cases have resulted in satisfactory modifications. The deteriorating condition of Horton Manor Chapel, Chartham, was brought to the attention of the Ancient Monuments Commission, which is preparing a schedule of necessary repairs and cost. The condition of the Mausoleum, Cobham Park, is causing great concern. Discussions with Gravesham Borough Council are in progress to ascertain if anything can be done to prevent further deterioration by vandalism. The London Borough of Bromley Appraisal Reports in respect of West Wickham, Bickley and Orpington Areas have been studied and recommendations made. Conservation and redevelopment proposals in Gravesham have been considered and suggestions made. To ascertain the possibility of a County Farm Buildings Survey, a pilot scheme was carried out in the Plaxtol area. The excellent report submitted is being studied. Consultation with the Kent Defence Research Group on planning proposals affecting military installations have continued. The Kent Buildings Preservation Trust is conducting a survey of neglected buildings throughout the County. "Historic Building of Kent" Plaques. Ten plaques have been awarded during the year. BUILDING RECORDERS The seventeenth Conference of Building Recorders was held at Rochester on Saturday, 1st November, 1980. The new venue gave the opportunity to visit (by kind permission of the landlord) the four-bay, stone, early-fourteenth-century crypt under the George Inn. This was fully described by George Payne in Arch. Cant., xxiv (1900), 220 -4. Members then adjourned to the Com Exchange to hear three papers. First, Mr. A. D. Stoyel described his discoveries at the early, two-storeyed, jettied house to the west of the church at Otford, and explained from its features his reasons for believing that this was once a market house, with an open ground floor. Then, our lix Secretary, Mr. Harrison described his cottage at Halling, which comprised the two central-hall bays of a hall-house, with a crownpost roof. He showed the steps he had to take to rescue and convert it and also some of the problems that he encountered. Finally, Mr. Gravett spoke of a small group of tiny cottages at Lamberhurst built in clay lump about 1800 and apparently associated with squatters on the manorial waste. The new, later date for the conference appeared convenient to members and some forty attended. Again the projector was kindly provided and operated by Mr. P. Lambert, while Mr. Connell's bookstall was much appreciated. 1st January, 1981 By order of the Council lx A.C. HARRISON Hon. General Secretary