KAS Newsletter, Issue 26, Autumn 1993
The Aviary, Cobham Hall
For seven Sundays in October and November 1992, archaeologists undertook the clearance and recording of The Aviary in the grounds of Cobham Hall. Thanks are extended to the Westwood Educational Trust and Wisell, Wade and Postin's Architects, for allowing access and the permission to undertake this work. Thanks also to my hard working colleagues David Bacchus, Terry Smith and Rachel Harrison; and to Pauline King, Archivist of the Cobham Hall Heritage Trust along with staff of Cobham Hall School for their interest and information.
The grounds of Cobham Hall contain elements of the Elizabethan deer park, remains of the seventeenth century formal layout and of Humphrey Repton's work of c1800, as well as several garden buildings and follies. The structure known as 'The Aviary' is attributed to Samuel Lapridge, a pupil of Capability Brown. This flint and brick structure almost certainly started its life as a greenhouse, being converted to an aviary c1799 and later a summer house; being used as such until the 1950's. It is now in a derelict condition, its roof has collapsed and the flint facade tilts outwards by as much as 30cm. Restoration and conservation work are being undertaken in the grounds of Cobham Hall, and as part of this exercise it is hoped to push the flint facade back into place securing it with stainless steel tiles. The joinery will also be renewed and bricks, identical to those used in the original structure, will be made as necessary.
Presumably in its eighteenth century one "room" greenhouse phase 'The Aviary' would have had a glass roof as well as a glass front facing south. With the addition of the flint facade to the original brick structure the area was divided into three by the insertion of timber partitions. It is probable that the central part of the roof, over the larger middle bay, was sloping; flat roofs existing either side. The central pitched roof had a slate covering, the flat areas being roofed with lead and draining into a simple box gutter at the rear.
The presence of the lead roofs perhaps explains the dilapidated nature of the building. Sometime in the last three or four decades the lead may have been removed (stolen?). This removal would no doubt result in some slates of the pitched roof being dislodged. With the process of time further slates would fall, the supporting timbers rot and come crashing down. Gradually the weather continued its work creating cracks in the walls. Leaves, weeds and rubbish accumulated, perhaps as much as five or six tons being removed during the course of the recent clearance.
Even without the help of documentary evidence it would have been possible, just by using basic archaeological "laws" and common sense, to realize there were three phases of structural development. As built in its greenhouse phase, the structure had brick walls to the north, east and west forming a rectangle 9.90 by 4.50 meters externally. The structure cut into sloping ground had terrace walls to east and west retaining the slope. The south face would have been glass; possibly within the wooden framework used for the first partition (see below).
It seems probable that the whole floor of the greenhouse was paved with ceramic tiles on a sand bed. The pre-structure topsoil had been removed and the sand had been laid on natural brick earth.
The drastic alterations undertaken when the structure was converted to The Aviary included the addition of the flint facade and the insertion of timber partitions. It is probable the timber floor in the central bay, and the laying of a stone slab floor in the eastern and western bays took place in this phase. The facade of unknapped flintwork has a somewhat overpowering effect when first seen for its whiteness is in total contrast to the red brickwork and greenery around. The facade is unusual not only in the material used, but also in the way it has been constructed, there are three, rare, flint arches side by side giving access to the individual bays. It is of course the difficulty of constructing arches in flint which makes them so rare.
The timber floor, supported on joists and four dwarf brick walls, saw the complete destruction of the attractive ceramic tile floor in the area of the central bay. In the eastern and western bays a stone slab floor on a mortar bed was laid directly over the tile floor. The latter was still visible in one area of the western bay where a slab has been removed, as well as on either side of the central bay.
The timber partitions of this second phase consisted of large frames 3.50 meters long by 3.95 meters high. The wood was extremely well preserved and originally painted pale blue or pale green, perhaps a preservative rather than a paint. Within each framework it was noted that there were hinge indents, mortise holes and the frame cut so as to take glass. Part of one hinge, along with a metal and leather surround around one mortise hole survived. Originally two doors existed within each frame. It is not possible to say whether these doors were removed when the frameworks were first used as partitions or later when the third phase walls were inserted. This evidence led to the realization that both partitions were originally constructed for another purpose. The arrangement for the use of copious amounts of glass, plus their dimensions suggests that originally the frames were constructed as the front of the greenhouse. Each frame would have reached from the side walls to the stone step into the central bay, with enough room for a double doorway centrally placed. A vertical bolt hole on the north (inner) side of the central step could have been for this postulated door; the step may have originally been set at a lower level flush with the tile floor.
There are however two arguments against this theory. First it would mean there were five entrances into the greenhouse, four single doorways through the surviving frames and a postulated double door. This seems excessive to say the least given that the total width is less than 10 meters. However, the internal design of the structure and the need for ventilation may have dictated the arrangement. Secondly the two brick pillars in the south face, behind the central flint arch, have the look of being the same as the brickwork of the phase 1 walls. If of the earliest phase their presence would effectively block light for about a meter of each frame, in which case there would be no point in making a provision for so much glass. However, the pillars are not definitely of phase 1, and structurally they make more sense as phase 2 additions, constructed merely to give anchor points for the relatively thin flint facade.
Four large iron pivots, those on the west behind later wood paneling, showed that the phase 2 double door opened inwards. Rusty iron work below the lower eastern pivot is perhaps indicative of an earlier pivot arrangement or door stop. A vertical hole for a door bolt could be seen on the south (outer side of the step, presumably for this door.
Each side bay supposedly had birds flying around; the central bay being for spectators. It is assumed wire was stretched between the frame openings, but unfortunately there is no evidence for this arrangement. It would perhaps hardly be worthwhile to remove any wire when the later partition was added, whereas glass could conceivably have been used elsewhere. Reuse elsewhere might also explain the absence of the doors from the framework. A third suggestion is that the birds did not fly free but were kept caged, and that the openings within the wooden frame had neither wire nor glass.
It is possible that the insertion of the timber and stone slab floors is third phase rather than second, but in view of the massive reconstruction taking place in phase 2, it seems far more likely that both types of floor material are of earlier rather than later date. However, it is always possible the timber floor was renewed, perhaps more than once during the relatively long period of use c1799 to c1950. Four planks and several joists survived in relatively good condition.
The third phase saw the conversion to a summerhouse with new partition walls. Within the central bay timbers were nailed to the phase two frame and vertical wooden paneling attached. Only a few lower fragments of this paneling survived, except on the west side of the central door where panels survived more or less full height. In each side bay a plaster surface was attached to lattice work.
The differential survival of wall paneling, joists and floor planks within the central bay was quite surprising. Assuming none had been removed for use elsewhere it was an excellent example of how differing decomposition conditions can exist within a small area. The remnants of the door and window frames probably also date from this phase.
Summary
It seems that all four stages of the life of The Aviary can be identified in the archaeological and architectural remains. The greenhouse by the brick walls and tile floor. The Aviary itself by the construction of the flint facade, the well preserved first partition framework and probably by the timber and stone floor and, presumably, the vanished slate and lead roof. The third construction phase saw the insertion of more solid partitions, and probably the visible door frames. The last phase being one of dereliction. However, a fifth phase of reconstruction is about to begin.
Alan Ward.
January 1993.
Note to KAS members
The Cobham Hall Heritage Trust is undertaking worthwhile conservation work of both buildings and landscape. Hopefully the KAS and its members will give what support they can. Any donations to the Cobham Hall Heritage Trust I'm sure will be gratefully received; C/O Sue Anderson, Development Director, Cobham Hall, Cobham, nr. Rochester, Kent. DA12 3BL.
Lay Rectors
In carrying out research into the history of St Michael & All Angels Church Wilmington, I found out that since 1328 the greater or rectorial tithes were appropriated by lessees appointed as lay rectors, first by the monks of the priory of St Andrew, Rochester and after the reformation by the dean and chapter of Rochester.
Wilmington church is mentioned in the 12th century Textus Roffensis as a chapel together with the chapel at Kingsdown as being chapels of the church of St John the Baptist, Sutton at Hone. Henry I granted the church at Sutton at Hone and the chapels of Kingsdown and Wilmington to the priory of St Andrew Rochester. In 1253 William de Litchfield was appointed Rector of Sutton at Hone and Vicar of Wilmington and so until 1866, when the Ecclesiastical Commission assumed the responsibilities of lay rectors, the parishes of Sutton and Wilmington continued as one parsonage, with two distinct vicarages. In 1328 when John Reginald de Chethem was appointed his title was Vicar of Sutton and Vicar of Wilmington, and so the monks of St Andrews appointed a lay rector who appropriated the great or rectorial tithe.
Edward Hasted in Volume 2 of his History and Topographical Survey of Kent 2nd edition refers to a Nicholas Statham being appointed as lay rector of Sutton and Wilmington in the 29th year of Henry VIII reign by Walter, prior and the convent of Rochester. The next appointee referred to is Ambrose Beale appointed in the 14th year of the reign of Charles I by the dean and chapter of Rochester. Hasted records that during the Commonwealth in 1650 when the Commission of Enquiry into the value of church livings, Robert Hazlewood was the lay rector. He next refers to a Thomas Harris who died in 1769. In the church records of St Michael's Wilmington in the papers dealing with the Charity called the Rectory Payment, a John Mumford of Sutton Place was appointed on the 25th November 1772. The last lay rector that I can find any record of is William Frederick East, Architect of 2 Corporation Row, Clerkenwell, London. He is mentioned in the documents detailing the commutation of tithes in Wilmington dated 1842 and records in Lambeth Palace Library proving that he was the architect responsible for the building of the north aisle of St Michael's in 1840. Several books on churches in Kent including the West Kent and Weald volume of the Buildings of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales edited by John Newman and Victorian Churches of Kent by Dr Homan have attributed the building of the north aisle to Edward Cressy. Lay rectors were responsible for the upkeep of chancels of churches within their parish and East rebuilt the chancel of St Michael's in 1835.
I have made enquiries at Rochester and at Maidstone about the records of lay rectors within the Diocese of Rochester, without success. It would be interesting to know where Hasted obtained his information from? If any members have any ideas about sources of information, I would be pleased to hear from them. Stan Stringer.
K.A.S. Member made Mayor of Maidstone
Members will be pleased to learn that Mr Paul Oldham, a member of the KAS since 1960 and valued member of KAS Council for many years, was elected Mayor of Maidstone on May 19th, 1993. He had been a Maidstone Borough Councillor since 1980 and Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee during 1992/3. Many KAS members attended the Mayor making ceremony at Maidstone Town Hall, following a traditional Mayor's Breakfast at the Archbishop's Palace and a Civic Service at All Saints Church. In his acceptance speech, Councillor Oldham named promotion of the study and conservation of the past as one of the themes for his Mayoral Year. KAS members will be pleased to learn that the Society's usual Christmas Buffet will be held in the Maidstone Town Hall at the Mayor's generous invitation. The use of the premises will be free of charge to the Society, and members who attend the Buffet will be able to view chambers not usually open to the public. We wish Paul a happy and successful term of office.Library News
Over the past few months, a group led by Iain Foreman LBPA, AIAS, FISP, a professional photographer, has volunteered to examine, conserve, and catalog the extensive collection of old photographic material held in the society library. In the main, this contains 10" x 8.5", 6" x 7", and 5" x 4" glass negatives along with lantern slides, some of which are hand-tinted, and a few stereoscopic slides. Some date to the 1860s. There is also a collection of prints plus, of course, bound and loose engravings, lithographs, etc. On December 19th, 1992, a meeting was held and a group formed to be known as the 'Visual Records Group'. Since then, several meetings have been held and substantial progress made. It was decided to ask members to contribute any photographic collections or single items of archaeological, ecclesiastical, industrial, or topographical interest or indeed any other relevant material. This could be done as an outright gift, loan, or by sending to us to copy and return the originals. It is our hope that in the near future we can publish parts of our collection by way of slides for lecture use, postcards, booklets, or by commercial use, even to produce our own calendar and, of course, in our own publicity. We would also be interested in hearing from members who may be able to help in taking photographs at excavations, sites, building recording, etc. and will be issuing guidelines to help you. The idea is to be able to help any local group in need of a photographer for a special project or even an emergency need for photography, e.g. of a threatened site or building. Photographs of meetings, special occasions, outings, etc., are useful for records of the K.A.S. at work and so promoting our activities, e.g. in the press.If material is given/loaned, you will be asked to sign an agreement to pass copyright to the K.A.S. The reason for this is to save time and any problems should the work be used in the commercial world when a copyright form would have to be agreed and signed before publication, perhaps many years later. If requested, members can at the same time reserve their rights to fees, restrictions on publication, and to be credited by name. It would be helpful if affiliated societies and groups would at this stage supply a named person 'photographic liaison officer' so that contact can be made at short notice on either side. Any person who considers they could help should feel welcome to write to our Group at Maidstone Museum, giving details of any collection or photographs they may have or if they can assist photographically. Iain Foreman or one of the committee members will contact you in due course. Rochester upon Medway City Archives and the local Studies section of the Medway Group of Kent County Council Libraries have joined to form a Local Studies Centre at the Clocktower, Civic Centre, Strood, ME2 4AW. Genealogical sources such as parish records, census returns, and local directories can now be consulted at one location. Researchers will find a wide range of printed material, maps, and illustrations as well as local government and diocesan records relating to the area. Booking is necessary only if there is a need to examine archival material or items held on microfilm or microfiche such as census returns or local newspapers. Open Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesdays, 9 am to 6 pm, and the first and third Saturdays in each month, 9 am to 1 pm. For further details, telephone: 0634 732714.
Peter Draper,
Hon. Librarian, K.A.S.
The South East Film and Video Archive
The South East Film and Video Archive was launched in September of last year and is now embarking on its first major project - the Film and Video Search. The aim of this new regional film and video archive is to locate, collect and preserve films and videotapes made in and around the counties of Kent, Surrey, East Sussex and West Sussex. It will establish a public collection of films and videotapes which will represent a 20th Century history of this region. It will be available to individuals, clubs, societies, companies, schools, colleges, heritage services, county records offices, libraries and museums. The S.E.F.V.A. operates on a non-profit making basis dependent on grants, donations, sponsorship and income earned by providing services. At present it is supported by the University of Brighton, the South East Arts Board, the British Film Institute, the West Sussex Record Office, Hove Borough Council, the East Sussex Arts Panel, Kent Heritage Services and Surrey Record Office. The Archive is initiating a search for 'moving pictures' which show any aspect of life and work in the South East. The data from this hunt through public and private collections will be used to produce the first South East Film and Video Catalogue. This unique publication will attempt to list all the known films and videotapes made in and on this region. Its existence will aid the Archive in formulating its acquisition policy and provide an invaluable guide to an important aspect of the South East's visual history. It is hoped that the first edition of the catalogue will be published by the end of 1993. K.A.S. members are invited to specify works in their collections which they may consider to be of special value. The Archive has the resources to make viewing copies of the most interesting material which could be copied on to 16mm or video or both. Please contact me if you would like to know more about the Archive's activities. Frank Gray, (Curator) South East Film and Video Archive, School of Historical and Critical Studies, University of Brighton, Grand Parade, Brighton, East Sussex. BN2 2JY.
Letters
Dear Editor, Mr Nicholas Fuentes' article on the Ravenna Cosmography (KAS Newsletter 24, Spring 1996) was most interesting. I am unhappy, though, with his tentative identification of Alauna town as Tonbridge. Wherever the river name Alauna came from he has proved from its position in the list of rivers that it was the Medway. Looking for a modern derivative of "Alauna", the river Len, tributary to the Medway, comes to mind. The Len enters the Medway at the tidal limit and opens up a hinterland of great economic importance, which includes the stone quarries at Boughton and the fuller's earth deposits at Bearsted, besides fine farming land of the Vale of Holmstead. My preferred candidate for the town Alauna would be Maidstone, at the junction of Medway and Len a site known to have been of importance in Roman times. Mr Alan Everitt in his book 'Continuity and Colonisation' thinks that the Len was originally (in Celtic times) called the Carey, and that the Medway is another Celtic name (pp.105,106.) If, however, Medway is Jutish in origin (Middle way ?) the Celtic name of Alauna could very well fit the Medway in 400 AD, and have been gradually transferred to the Carey in perhaps 600 AD, when the tidal river was renamed. The Alauna-silva would then be the same place as the Anderida-silva: the Weald viewed from the North rather than the South.
Yours sincerely, Anita Thompson, (Mrs).
Ed. note: Mr Fuentes reply to Mrs Thompson's letter will be published in the next Newsletter.
For Sale
Our Member Mr W.F. Pye has a complete set of Archaeologia Cantiana for sale. Vol. 1 to 109, (including the index volumes). All in good condition. Anyone interested should contact Mr Pye.
Members are reminded that they can obtain KAS 'Tote bags', £6. Tea Cloths, £3. Ties,• (new stock now in, blue, grey, green or maroon) £4.50. Key Fobs,• (blue, black, white, green or red) £1. Pack of four 'notelets' featuring lesser known Kent churches. £1. Prices include p & p. Apply to Mrs J. Saynor. • Please state colour required.
Fieldwork Grants
Are you planning an excavation or fieldwork within the county of Kent during 1994? Grants are available from the KAS to assist with work carried out by Affiliated Societies or individual members. Applications on appropriate form (obtainable from Hon. General Secretary, Andrew Moffat by 1st. October 1993.
The Hon. Editor welcomes all letters, articles and communications and would particularly like to receive more from members and others, especially requests for research information, finds, books and related topics. The Editor wishes to draw readers' attention to the fact that neither the Council of the KAS, nor the Editor is answerable for opinions which contributors m�y express in the course of their signed articles. Each author 1s alone responsible for the contents and substance of their letters, items or papers. Material for the next Newsletter should be sent by 1st. November 1993 to Hon. Editor. Nesta Caiger.
Published by the Kent Archaeological Society, The Museum, St. Faith's Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME14 ILH.
Printed by Delta Press, Crayford Industrial Estate, Swaisland Drive, Crayford DAI 4HT. Typesetting by Janset 081-301 2856.
Events, Outings, Lectures
K. A. S. LECTURES. Our first programme of lectures had varying fortunes. The best attended, at Tenterden, saw a packed audience of 140 listening to Sarah Pearson; although we had our worst, more than Mordlen - a pitiful number of tickets. As a solitary reminder of the way the best laid plans gang agley', we sold only two children's tickets for the whole season. No one has criticized or commented adversely on the timing of lectures at 2.30 pm on Saturday afternoons, so we shall continue to meet at that time. Beginning in September 1993, we shall present a further series of eight lectures in town venues (with one exception) and those different from the venues used in 1992/3. We shall charge members £1.50 and visitors £2.00. Full details of dates, speakers and venues are given in the enclosed leaflet, with separate application forms for each meeting. Don Coast, (Assistant Sec. Lectures)
K. A. S DAY CONFERENCE on Nautical Archaeology around Kent, to be held on Saturday, 9th October 1993 at the Library, Bryant Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent. Programme Morning: 10.30 am Introduction by Mr K. Gravett (President K.A.S.) The Graveney Boat by Mrs. V. Fenwick. The Dover Bronze Age Boat by Mr P. Bennett (Canterbury Arch. Trust). Discussion, Lunch. Programme afternoon: 2.30 pm. Hulks on the Medway: The Whitewall Creek Project, 1992-93. by Mr G. Milne (Museum of London). The Creation of a National Record of Archaeology in the Nautical Zone. by Mr.B.Ferrari. R.C.H.M.E. Discussion and Chairman's closing remarks. There are adequate parking facilities at the Library and its immediate vicinity. Tea/Coffee and biscuits will be available. Admission by ticket: (£5 to Society Members. £8 non-members and guests.) may be obtained from: Dunelm House, Main Road, Jcklesham, Winchelsea, E.Sussex. TN35 4AR. or at the door. (nb. The capacity of the conference hall is not unlimited). Cheques payable to Kent Archaeological Society. S.A.E. please.
K.A S CHRISTMAS BUFFET 1993. This will take place on Saturday, 4th December at the Town Hall, Maidstone. (see enclosed leaflet)
30th. CONFERENCE OF BUILDING RECORDERS. will be held in the Barn Hall, (to the north of the Church) at Charing on Saturday, 16th October 1993. commencing at 2.15 pm. It is hoped that the speakers will include: Kenneth Gravett on (Some Pre-restoration photographs of Fairfield Church. David Martin on Detached Kitchens in the Rape of Hastings, East Sussex. This paper will be followed by a discussion on detached kitchens and other similar buildings) in Kent and contributions to this discussion will be most welcome, especially if illustrated by slides. Tickets may be obtained from Mr H.G.B. (Don) Coast, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope at the following prices: Members £1. Visitors £2. Tickets will also be on sale at the door, if there is sufficient room. It is hoped that cups of tea and biscuits will be available at a small extra charge.
K.A.S. MEDWAY AND GILLINGHAM BRANCH. LECTURE & FIELD TRIP. K.A.S. members are reminded that they and other guests are welcome to attend lectures arranged by this Branch. Meetings are held at the Guildhall Museum, High Street, Rochester, commencing at 7.30 pm. Doors open at 7 pm. Tuesday, 26th October 1993. Palaces of Medieval England. lecture by Dr T. James who will describe his researches into this subject and in particular on Clarendon Palace near Salisbury. Sunday, 14th November 1993. Field trip to Clarendon Palace and Danebury Hill Fort. K.A.S. members interested in the above should contact Mr Alan Ward, 72 Salisbury Avenue, Rainham, Kent, MES OBL for further details. S.A.E. please.
C.B.A. SOUTH EAST. DAY CONFERENCE on Romnrrs in tire 50111/r East. will be held on Saturday, 23rd, October 1993 at Medway Hall, Angel Centre,Tonbridge, Kent. Coffee at 10.30 pm. 1st. Lecture 11.00. Speakers include Dr Alec Dets1cas, Dr Thomas Blagg, Nick Fuentes, Dominic Perring and David Rudling. Cost: £5 CBA SE members and friends (booked in advance) £6. on the day. Plenty of cnr parks nearby also Centre is only a few minutes walk from mainline station. Further informatron etc.. SAE please.
ISIS (Institute for the Study of Interdisciplinary Science) has invited Dr Hans Goedicke of John Hopkins Unrversrty, Balhmore, to London to give the 1993 1515 Fellowship lecture on Saturday, 16th, October at 2 pm. al the Institute of Archaeology, Gordon Square, London. (provisional title) Tire Chronology of the Thera/Santorini Explosion The dating of the explosion has always been a controversial subject and Dr Goedicke, who has studied the event exhaustively will present his findings, including poss1ble links to the Exodus from Egypt and Egyptian Chronology in general. Admission free. Tea will be served during the afternoon.
SEMINAR organised jointly by the Royal Archaeological Institute and the British Archaeological Association on Saturday, 25th, September 1993 The Study of the Past in the Victorian Age to be held at the British Museum. Tickets: £15 for Seminar, £15 for evening reception in the Neriad Gallery. Both events : £25. Cheques to be made payable to The the Royal Society of Archaeological Antiquaries, Institute Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1V OHS
TECHNICAL DAY entitled Historic Bridges, to be held in Kent on Thursday, 16th, September 1993. Organised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Further rnformahon may be obtained from Mrs Diane Allen.
RESIDENTIAL WEEKEND 8th to 10th, October 1993. The Castles of Kent and Sussex to be held at the Stakis Hotel, Maidstone, £164 per person. To include visits to the castles at Leeds, Rochester, Bodiam and Eynsford. Further information from : Elaine _ Hartley, CRO, Stakis Hotel, 3 Atlantic Quay, York Street, Glasgow, G2 SJH. Tel: 041 304 1010.
DAY SCHOOL 24th, October 1993 entitled 181/r. Century Coventry House and Estate at Goodnestone Park, 10 am to 4 pm. Orgamsed by the Wingham Branch W.E.A. Fee of £10 includes admission to house and garden and tea and coffee. A light lunch at £2.50 may be ordered in advance. Information: from Bernard Barber, Three Wents, Wingham Green, Canterbury-, CT3 lNJ Tel:0227 720358.
ONE DAY SCHOOL ON INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY will be held at the School of Continuing Education, University of Kent, Canterbury on 23rd, October 1993, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. Topics include: Deptford Power Station, Early Electrical Distribution and Utilisation, Early Electrical Domestic Appliances, Electrrcrty _ 011 tire Farm, Early Telegraphs and telephone. Information: from Bernard Barber ( address as above )
EXHIBITION from 21st August to 2nd October 1993. at Whitstable Museum and Gallery to mark the 40th. anniversary of the worst flood in Whitstable's history within living memory. It will feature photographs and souvenirs from both victims and rescuers and a specially commissioned tape and video. Open daily (except Wed. and Sunday) 10.30 am to 1 pm. and 2 pm to 4 pm. Admission free.
UNIVERSITY OF KENT COURSES. 1993. Tire Arc/rneology of Ro111a11 Britain Alec Detsicas. 20 meetings, 10 am to 12 noon, Tuesdays, starting 28th, September at the University Centre, Tonbridge, Fee £58. Local History arrd Ge11ealogy Duncan Harrington. 20 meetings, 5.15 pm to 7.15 pm. Wednesdays, starting 6th, October at the Centre for Kentish Studies, Maidstone. Fee £62. Ancient Egyptian Religion. Frances Williams. 9 meetings, 10 am to 12 noon, Thursdays, starting 30th. Sept. at the University Centre, Tonbridge, Fee £29. /11troductio11 to Egyptology. Frances Williams. 18 meetings, 1 to 3 pm. Thursdays, starting 30th. Sept. at the University Centre, Tonbridge. Fee £58. Geirenlogy: T/reory and Practice. Sally Fincher. 2 Days, Thursday, 4th, November at University Centre, Tonbridge, and Friday 12th, November, ,·isiting main London repositories. Fee £26. A11glo-Saxo11 England Alan Ward. 20 meetings, 7.30 to 9.30 pm. Fridays, starting 1st. Oct. at the University Centre, Tonbridge. Fee £58. 1994. Temples and Tomb; irr Ancient Egypt. Frances Williams. 9 meetings, 10 am to 12 noon, Thursdays, starting 13th, January 1994. at University Centre, Tonbridge. Fee £29. Information on the courses from University Centre, Avebury A,·enue, Tonbridge, TN9 lTG. Tel: 0732 352316. CERTIFICATE IN ARCHAEOLOGY. Two year (part-time) course starting in October, Tuesdays 7.30 lo 9.30 pm Fee: around £200 per annum subject to review. Further information from University Centre, address as above.
OTHER ARCHAEOLOGY & HISTORY COURSES IN KENT. (Beginning Autumn 1993.) Roman Britain at Sittingbourne Adult Education Centre on Mondayevenings . 20 weeks. Medit•ml England at Westmount Centre, Dover on Tuesday mornings 20 weeks. Hislc>ry of M,·diC'l•nl E11gla11d at Eastgate Centre, Rochester on Tuesday evenings. 20 weeks. G.C.S.E. Arc/rneology at Canterbury College on Wednesday evenings. Medieval Archaeology at Victoria Centre, Gravesend on Thursday evenings. 20 weeks. For further details please contact Mr Alan Ward. S.A.E. please.
Ed. note: Mr Ward informs me that should any K.A.S. member wish to make contact with him on an archaeological matter please feel free to do so.
Excavation - Call for Volunteers
St. Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks, intend lo construct what is effectively a church hall under the present church, which is of Norman origin. The archaeological phase will be a threemonth major excavation under the direction of David Miles of the Oxford Unit. A limited number of amateurs will be welcome to work with the professionals. Enquiries to: Brigadier Ian Dobbie, Administrator.
Architectural Study Centre Opened
Sponsored and run by English Heritage this centre was opened in April 1993 at the Ranger's House, Blackheath, in the L.B. of Greenwich. Some 5,000 items have been collected many from demolished buildings and these represent a unique collection of architectural artefacts illustrating 250 years of London building practice. The exhibition is based in the Coach House which has been converted to house the collection. The Curator is Treve Rosoman, who will show visitors round by appomtment. He can be contacted at the London Division of English Heritage, Chesham House, 30 Warwick Street, London, WlR SRO.
The Milne Museum
Some members may recall the very fine collection of old electrical appliances and objects concerned with electricity supply in South-East England, assembled by Seeboard, under their former Chairman, A.G. Milne. This was displayed for many years in the former generating station at Tonbridge. Doubts _ as to its future were resolved, following an offer by Chalk Pit Museum at Amberley, near Arundel, just within the Seeboard area. Continuity was assured by the Curator, John Norris, joining the staff at Chalk Pits from Seeboard. Last year the library was installed in a purpose built, environmentally controlled building and this has been followed by the first phase of a large modern hall to house the exhibition. This was opened by Seeboard's commercial director on June 30th. Prominent is the sign of the former Hawkhurst and District Electricity Supply Company, showing the Wealden countryside bathed in electric light. K.Gravett.
Willesborough Windmill
On Thursday 17th. June. Dr Maurice Lindsey, the U.K. representative of 'Europa Nostra', a group of conservation bodies from 22 countries in Europe, presented an award to Ashford Borough Council for their repair of the Smock windmill at Willesborough, and unveiled a plaque within the mill itself. K.A.S. members will be interested to know that the Surveyor in charge of the restoration work was Charles Friend, the Honorary Secretary of the Kent Historic Buildings Committee. The mill is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday afternoons until the last week in October. A renovated barn contains a wheelwright's shop, some cycles by Normans of Ashford and memorabilia from the cinema, and a coffee shop. This award follows the Special Mention in the Civic Trust Awards last year, on Sarre Windmill, which has also received a plaque from the Windmill and Watermill Section of the S.P.A.B., following its very fine restoration to working order by its owner, at his own expense. Sarre Windmill is also regularly open to the public and has a very good tea shop. K.Gravett.
Maurice Crane, Excursions Secretary. K.A.S.
It is with great regret that the Society records the death of Mr M.A. Crane of Adisham, our Excursions Secretary since 1983, member of Council and member of the Kent Archaeological Society since 1959. As well as organising an ever-varied and historically important series of summer study-visits, he had, for ten years, planned and led (ably assisted by Jean his wife) the Society's week-long Continental excursions to Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. In his own right, he was a fine scholar with much original research to his credit, to many of us he was a true and valued friend; he will be greatly missed by the Society. Joy Saynor.
K.A.S. Brittany Excursion. 1993
The Society's tenth summer excursion, this year to Brittany, took place from May 31st. to June 6th. It had been most thoroughly researched and planned by our late Excursion Secretary but sadly he was too unwell to lead it in person. His instructions were ably carried out by our Hon. Secretary Andrew Moffat and his wife with additional assistance from Joy Saynor and Arthur Forknall. The forty three K.A.S. members and friends were based in Dinan, an historic town (vide the Bayeaux Tapestry) and an architecturally important, small town. Its timber framed buildings exhibited unusual constructional features. The archaeologists in the party appreciated the opportunity to examine the Breton menhirs and dolmens both at Carnac and at other sites, and also visited an extensive Roman site at Corseul. The historians enjoyed the small towns of Comburg, Doi and Josselin, the port of St. Malo and the chateau of Bourbansais. Returning through Normandy to Calais by leisurely stages, the party was able to visit two interesting towns as well as the old town area of Boulogne.
K.A.S. Visit to Meopham and Nurstead
The Society's last one day-excursion this summer took place on June 19th. We visited Meopham parish church with its reminders of the Tradescant family and the fine smock mill beside the Green - our thanks to the Meopham Historical Society. After lunch, we drove to Nurstead where we first examined the church and then were guided round Nurste. Court by Mr. Edmeades-Stern who described to us the recent re-dating of the Court's splendid timbers to a little earlier in the 14th. century. The excursion concluded with tea in the 1830's drawing-room of the Court. The success of this outing was mainly due to the prompt work in finalising arrangements by Mrs Joy Saynor, who took over at very short notice.
Successful K.A.S. Fieldwork Committee Course on Samian Pottery
A very interesting and informative one day study course on Samian pottery was held at the Mid-Kent Professional Centre, Maidstone, on Saturday 19th. June under the tuition of Dr Alec Detsicas, with the President Mr Ken Gravett in the Chair. The students were introduced to the sources of Samian pottery, its forms, decoration and methods of dating. The course also included practical instruction on reading and identification of potters' marks, with the drawing of decorated Samian to publication standards. The course catered for the serious student and newcomer to archaeology. Opportunities for further study were covered by references to the vast literature concerned with the study of Samian. Many thanks are due to Alec Detsicas, for an enjoyable and instructive day.
K.A.S. Barbecue held at Cobham
The Country Social evening was held in the Great Hall of Cobham College in May attended by 120 members and friends. Our member Mr. Nightingale, as a Trustee of the College, welcomed the large gathering and gave an introduction to the history of the College. This was followed by a visit to Cobham church where Mr. Philip Lawrence gave an introductory talk on the famous monumental brasses. The Barbecue supper was provided by the East Peckham Scout Committee whose efficiency and high standard of catering was much admired.Thanks are due to Mrs M. Lawrence and her husband for arranging a most enjoyable social occasion.
Late Mr J. Money
K.A.S. Members will be interested to learn that Mr James Money, a K.A.S member and member of Council for many years left the sum of £300 to the Society in his will.
CROSSNESS the ENGINES TRUST needs volunteers to help in _ engmes at restoration Crossness, of the near Victorian Erith. Anyone Pumping with a Station few hours and to its spare on Sundays or Tuesdays should telephone the Trust Secretary. People of all talents and skills are needed, 'even Dogsbodies and Gophers'