One of the requirements of the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure is that due regard should be given to the archaeology of churches. In order to ensure that every parochial church council of every medieval church has a report of its building, the Dioceses of Canterbury and Rochester, in 1991, jointly commissioned me to make a survey of these buildings.
The County of Kent has one of the most interesting collections of parish churches in England. These are all very different from each other and though one can follow general patterns, both chronologically and geographically, their variety is what makes a large new survey interesting. Altogether there were at least 436 parish churches in medieval Kent, as well as many other non-parochial chapels. At the Reformation, a few of the parish churches and many of the chapels were demolished. The vast majority of parish churches, however, continued in use, though there have been some later demolitions (and complete rebuildings) during the last three centuries. Since the mid-19th century, many new churches have also been built, particularly in the Rochester Diocese, but these are not being investigated in the present survey. At the same time, most sites have been thoroughly restored, and this process has not been fully studied. In recent years, several medieval churches have been made redundant (11 are now looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust), and these have not yet been included in the survey. There are still many ruined churches in the county, some being casualties of the last war, and 18 of these in the Canterbury Diocese (as well as the sites of 11 other totally demolished churches) have already been briefly studied by the author.
About 353 pre-19th century churches are still in use in Kent (238 in the Canterbury Diocese and 115 in the Rochester Diocese) and it is these churches which are the subject of the present survey. (Altogether there are about 530 churches in use in the county, if the 19th and 20th century buildings are included). The present survey, which was started in 1991, is now about one-third completed and it is hoped that all churches will have been examined and reported on before the end of the decade. This is a much longer time-scale than originally proposed, due to changes in my professional and personal circumstances.
Each church is visited and the whole of the fabric (excluding fittings and monuments) is carefully studied. A report is then written which covers, chronologically, all the main stages of the building, as well as a briefer history of its restoration. Surprisingly, this has been done in detail in the past for comparatively few churches in Kent. Where there are good published surveys, my work is to go over these earlier surveys to check them, and then make a briefer report. An alphabetical index has been compiled of all reports on Kent churches (about 100 in all) in Archaeologia Cantiana (the journal of the Kent Archaeological Society), which is the greatest source for previous surveys. By far the best of these are those by the Revd. G. M. Livett, whose understanding of the history, geology, etc., of Kent's churches was unsurpassed. He was also an excellent draughtsman and surveyor and made very good measured plans, as well as some sections and elevations. 'Professionally' Livett was, first, Precentor of Rochester Cathedral, and then for many years the vicar of Wateringbury. Each main survey takes a minimum of one day to complete, and sometimes longer for more complicated buildings. If there is already an accurate measured plan of the church, this can greatly help the survey, and I have listed, and tried to copy, all known measured plans. All published documentary material relating to churches has been listed and used whenever possible. Most useful are Hasted's great History of Kent, Sir Stephen Glynne's notes, made before 19th century restorations (published posthumously in 1877), Testamenta Cantiana (Pre-Reformation evidence from wills), and many of the earlier church guides. It is a sad fact that the majority of guides found in churches today are of a low standard and rarely include a proper measured plan. There is also a very useful body of early illustrative material on Kent churches (particularly the Petrie drawings of the early 19th century, at Maidstone, which I have copied), and this has been listed. As well as this, I have listed all known measured plans, including those in the Archive of the Incorporated Church Building Society (at Lambeth Palace and a few at the Society of Antiquaries of London).
The surveys have confirmed that there is a broad development pattern in Kent's churches, though with many exceptions. This is, very briefly, a late 11th or early 12th century nave with one or often two aisles being added during the period of great population growth (12th to early 14th centuries). A small Norman sanctuary is almost invariably replaced by a larger chancel in the 13th century, and this is often flanked by one or two separate side chapels. Most of these are related to the neighbouring manor house, or court' lodge, and many of them later became chantry chapels and were then converted to manorial pews and burial chapels after the Reformation. There are quite often signs of the later 14th century depopulation of Kent in the churches, and only very few were totally rebuilt during the later Middle Ages. There were, however, some fine new building phases at this time, particularly in the Weald, and fine 15th century western towers were a common addition - earlier towers are more often on the sides of the churches. Rood screens and lofts were inserted into most churches in the years around 1500.
Before the present survey was instigated, I made a very detailed study of one church - Godmersham - and also made comparative studies of two groups of churches, in and around Canterbury, and in Romney Marsh. At the same time, I made a detailed study of the geology of Kent building stones, with my colleague, Bernard Worssam and all this provisional work has greatly assisted the present survey. I have also looked carefully at the evidence for surviving Anglo-Saxon churches in Kent, but there is a dearth of material due to the complete rebuilding of most of the churches in the late 11th century. The 11th century documentary evidence, before and after the Norman Conquest, is exceptionally good (particularly from Domesday Monachorum and Textus Roffensis) and I have tried to relate this to the earliest visible remains in a church, often quoins of Tufa (in West Kent) and Quarry stone (in East Kent). For the end of the Middle Ages, the documentary evidence, particularly from wills, is very good, and this has been related to particular features like towers, Rood-screens and lofts, new windows, etc. Mouldings and architectural details are also of increasing use, and some of this can be quite closely dated.
A great requirement for the future will be the making of accurate measured plans for the churches where they appear not to exist or have been lost. Sadly, almost all today's architects who carry out repairs and make quinquennial surveys are unable or unwilling to make measured plans of 'their' churches, or to study the historic fabric of the building, as so many of their predecessors did. One of the great needs of the 21st century will be a much wider education programme into all aspects of the architectural history of our parish churches. This can only be done in my opinion, by the present guardians of our churches, the churchwardens and parishioners. In the past, it was most naturally done by the incumbent.
Finally, I hope that, in the long term, these surveys can be published, and new plans and photographs can be made to go with them.
Tim Tatton-Brown May 1995
The Prehistoric Ceramics Research Group Survey
I have been asked by the above group to participate in a region-based English-Heritage-funded survey of later prehistoric pottery assemblages held in museums, active or part-time units, and private collections. My responsibility is to ensure as comprehensive coverage of Kent collections as possible.
It should be stressed from the outset that this survey is totally apolitical in intention; ongoing or intended, private or unit-based studies or synthetic research programs will not be affected.
The intention is to provide an up-to-date bibliography of all previously published material and, particularly, a gazetteer of finds and assemblages of later prehistoric pottery (i.e. c.1000 BC-50 AD). The resulting database and an assessment of it will be published, as it is felt that it would be of particular interest to funding bodies, curators, researchers, university lecturers, and students.
Why is this being done?
It is a practical approach to a difficult problem. Nineteenth century, earlier twentieth century, and sometimes later, published or unpublished, assemblages have quite often been moved from one place to another, or are now stored differently from the original published location. Loss of archival linkage is a consequence. In addition, the quantity of material recovered in the last 2-3 decades has increased dramatically, to such an extent that much of it lies dormant and its academic contribution unused. To quote from the original proposal:
'We do not know how many collections of later prehistoric pottery there are in the country or how large they are, where they are located, and in what curated condition they currently exist. If any of these or any other topics for research into later prehistoric pottery are to be judged or attempted, it is imperative that we are fully cognizant of that resource base. We feel that English Heritage and other funding bodies need this information in order to provide a baseline from which to judge future excavation proposals, or museum and laboratory projects, whether these are proposed by individuals, groups such as ours, universities, or units.'
Again: "Only with the presence of an accessible record of basic information... can decisions about future research be made wisely." This point applies as much to those who find or excavate material or who house private collections, as it does to researchers. Each assemblage, whether excavated or recovered during field-walking, private construction work, gardening, or simply passed on from parents to children, represents a contribution to regional or national studies - but how best to ensure that its relative academic value is not wasted? Answering this question will be greatly facilitated by the production of an available database and its conclusions; mutual benefit is the automatic by-product of surveys such as these.
This letter is aimed at any group or body who feels they have information to share. The survey will last from April to November 1996; most museums and active units will be contacted during March to ensure that an early start is made. However, Kent is a large county, and this letter is particularly aimed at established or recently formed active local groups, or individuals who hold or know of private collections. Any group or individual who feels they have information to share will be personally visited and a proforma completed of the material they hold. If anyone would like to know more about this survey, contribute, or kindly advise me of anyone who might be interested in supplying information, I would be grateful if they could contact me as early as possible.
Nigel Macpherson-Grant.
Erith-Thamesmead Spine Road Archaeological Finds on show at Bexley Museum
The current exhibition at Bexley Museum, Hall Place, Bexley describes the exciting finds that have been made over the last two years by archaeologists working on the Erith-Thamesmead Spine Road.
The spine road, which is due to open to traffic in the Spring of 1997, will run from Anderson Way in the northwest to Erith Town Hall in the southeast. Bexley Council's engineers first called in archaeologists in the early 1990s to assess if any archaeological remains might be disturbed by work on the new road. In the spring of 1994, they discovered a previously unknown important building at Erith close to St John's Church which would have been the centre of Erith's manorial administration around 1200 AD. Traces of Roman occupation, in the form of ditches and rubbish pits, were found nearby.
Laying foundations for the northern part of the road involved the removal of several meters' depth of soft peat which had accumulated in prehistoric times between 6000 and 2000 years ago. It was near Church Manorway in the summer of 1995 that archaeologists made the most exciting finds.
One of these was part of a pottery bowl, on show in this exhibition, which is thought to be one of the earliest found in England. It was dated to around 4500 BC by radio-carbon dating of the peat. There was also a riverside site nearby where Stone Age people made flint tools, leaving behind thousands of waste pieces.
The other main find was a rare section of a wattle trackway which had been laid over the peat marsh around 1400 BC. The exhibition contains a specially-commissioned replica piece of track. Archaeological consultant, Maureen Bennell, said "This find was very exciting and is the first known example of a trackway of woven hurdle construction. It is thought that these tracks were used by people to get from dry land to the river's edge for catching wild birds or fish and to fetch fresh water".
These important finds have prompted Ken Whitaker of English Heritage to visit the exhibition. Mr. Whitaker said "English Heritage congratulates the London Borough of Bexley on this exhibition and is particularly pleased to have been part of this project in which cooperation between engineers, building contractors, and archaeologists have resulted in significant previously unknown discoveries".
"The Archaeology of the Erith/Thamesmead Spine Road" is at Bexley Museum, Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, until 16 June 1996. Opening times are Monday-Saturday 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (also from March 31st - Sundays 2.00 - 6.00 pm), and admission is free.
For further information, please contact Jessica Vale, Museums Curator, Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DAS 1PQ. Telephone: 01322 526574.
Books
KENT TOWN GUIDES 1763-1900 by R. J. Goulden. An important new publication by the British Library.
Mr. Goulden works at the British Library in the Eighteenth Century Short Title Catalogue Section. His family was actively involved in publishing, printing, and bookselling in Kent from 1850 until the closure of the Goulden and Curay bookshop in Tunbridge Wells. Early provincial printers commonly supplied guidebooks for visitors. Mr. Goulden's bibliography makes a major contribution to the study of the spread of printing and bookselling in Kent. Published by the British Library, price £30.
KENT DISSENTING MINISTERS DECLARATIONS 1689-1836. This volume is the latest in the series of useful books by our member, Miss G. Rickard. It lists the 291 Kent non-conformist ministers who signed the required declaration at Quarter Sessions at Canterbury and Maidstone under the terms of the Toleration Act of 1689 which required Ministers or teachers to assent to the 39 Articles of the Church of England. Brief details are given about some of the Ministers who signed - and some who did not. There is also an introduction to the legal background to these declarations and details of the documents from which the Ministers' names are taken. Finally, there is an index to places of residence given by some of the Ministers. Paperback. 32 pages. Price: £3.50 or £3.90 inc. P&P. from Miss G. Rickard.
. This volume, transcribed by Miss Rickard, contains much useful information for present-day genealogists and Baptist historians. Paperback 33 pages. Price: £3.50 or £3.90 inc. P&P. from Miss Rickard (address as above).
ROMNEY MARSH: THE DEBATABLE GROUND. The second Romney Marsh Monograph, which was published in 1995, contains 13 papers varying in content from changing coastlines and river courses, field walking, medieval salt-making, and a day-to-day account of maintenance of the Dymchurch Wall in 1620. Price to friends of the Romney Marsh Research Trust: £22.50. Price to non-members: £25.00. (Plus £2.50 each for P&P)
Available from Mrs. E. Keeling.
THE ROMAN VILLA SITE AT ORPINGTON, KENT. by Brian Philp. This comprehensive volume covers the complete excavations of 1988-1989, undertaken by the Kent Archaeological Unit, with the financial support of the L.B. of Bromley, of the Roman Villa site of Crofton, Orpington. It contains many detailed plans and sections, about 200 drawn objects, and also photographs, with supporting specialist reports. Rigid case binding. 110 pages. Price: £12.00 (plus £2.50 P&P per volume) May be obtained from KARU Roman Painted House, New St, Dover, Kent CT17 9AJ (Cheque to be made payable to KARU).
Books for Sale
Mr. Ralph Lovegrove has a number of back volumes of Arch. Cant. he wishes to dispose of. These are from years 1966 to 1993, some 26 volumes altogether. Mr. Lovegrove does not wish to split the collection and is asking £78.00 for the entire sequence. Anyone interested should contact: Mr. Lovegrove.
Mr. Robert Baldwin has a number of volumes of Antiquity for sale. These are Vols. 51-54, 59-67, and other issues. 72 issues total. Price: £150 ONO. Contact: Mr. Baldwin.
Conference of Building Recorders
The thirty-second annual Conference of Building Recorders was held at The Barn, Charing, on Saturday 14th October 1995 and attracted an attendance of some 60 members and friends.
The Norman House behind the east side of West Malling High Street was not accessible until a recent change of owner allowed Roger Walsh to make measured drawings. His colleague, Ralph Lovegrove, described the building which is of stone, of two storeys, with an upper chamber with a fireplace and two windows with segmented heads and zig-zag mouldings. The roof was rebuilt about 1500. The buildings on the street frontage are later and timber-framed, and these were described by Sarah Pearson, who had recorded them for the R.C.H.M. In the ensuing discussion, Margaret Lawrence was able to refer to some relevant documents in the Centre for Kentish Studies.
The second speaker was Paul Bennett, who read a report of work done by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust on the large, medieval barn at Littlebourne. They had made a number of detailed discoveries, including that the crown-posts were a later insertion.
The third speaker, Dr. Richard Scarth, was invited to describe the experimental sound mirrors, devised in the 1920s and 1930s to track enemy aircraft. There is a group of these of various types at Hythe and Dungeness. Increasing aircraft speeds caused them to be replaced by radar just before the Second World War. They are well described in his booklet, published by the Hythe Civic Society with a grant from the Allen Grove Local History Fund.
Finally, Mr. Gravett announced the publication of the Kent Historic Buildings Index parts for Swale and Bexley. He also thanked the ladies of Charing Parish Church for providing tea and the Charing P.C.C. for the use of the hall.
Letters
Dear Editor, I run a very small, independent publisher from home, and am trying to set up a new imprint for archaeological and local history publishing. Over the last seven years I have published two or three literary titles a year so I am starting this new subject from scratch. I would like to hear from any of your members who have archaeological or local history research which deserves to be published in book form. I would be grateful if they could send me a synopsis of their work (or stamped self-addressed envelope if they wish to send a manuscript). I hope to be publishing up to half a dozen titles a year.
Raymond Russell.
Dear Editor, Mention in the KAS Gang Newsletter of a talk regarding archaeology of the Channel Tunnel leads me to send a copy of a rather grand brass stamp I have to the Channel Tunnel Company Ltd. Caxton House, Westminster, S. W.
Parliamentary Offices, W. T. Perkins, Literary Secretary. I understand the stamp is dated about 1911. It was used for books in the Company Library.
Bill Lapthorne.
Editor's note: Unfortunately, the facsimile of this stamp sent by Mr. Lapthorne was too faint for reproduction in this Newsletter. Interested members should get in touch with Mr. Lapthorne directly.
Mr. David Brown of the Authors' Publishing Guild has sent us particulars of a new service for local authors which should appeal to those whose financial means and experience in publication are limited.
They are now planning to issue 'The Link' each March, July and November. For a price between £12.50 and £24.50, you can insert a description of your book, up to 100 words, and where to buy it. A 50-word version will appear in the next issue and the basic details in a third issue. There are no other charges.
Distribution is noted as being throughout the South East. Advertisements are also accepted for surplus books and research projects at 15p per word.
Details are available from the Authors' Publishing Guild, 2 West Street Farm Cottages, Maynards Green, Heathfield, Sussex TN21 0DG. Tel: 01825 830319.
Peter Draper, Hon. Librarian K.A.S
Archaeology: Further Opportunities For Part-Time Study
In October of 1996, there will be intakes to the University's part-time Certificate and Diploma in Archaeological Studies. Courses are run at Canterbury and Tonbridge. Designed for those who can study only on a part-time basis, admission does not require formal academic qualifications. Other indications of aptitude, together with commitment and enthusiasm, are equally relevant. Applications should normally be made before the end of July, although later applications will be considered if places remain.
The Certificate in Archaeological Studies investigates the character of archaeological evidence and how it may be used to further understanding of past societies. Particular periods of the archaeology of Britain will be examined, from the Upper Palaeolithic through to the early Anglo-Saxons.
The Diploma in Archaeological Studies extends the geographical scope to Europe and the Mediterranean. Archaeological approaches to contrasting cultures will be compared, for example, the ancient Egyptians, the prehistoric Celts, and the peoples of the western Roman Empire. There will be a focus on the development of skills that help students undertake independent academic project work in archaeology.
Further information from:
The Part-time Programme Coordinator, School of Continuing Education, Keynes College, University of Kent at Canterbury, Canterbury CT2 7NP Tel: 01227 823157.
Register Your Interests
Many members join the Society as a means of meeting either members with similar specialist research interests, or to meet other members whose expertise they may need to consult. To provide such opportunities for active researchers to contact others on matters of common interest, it is suggested that members send brief details of interests for publication in the Newsletter under the heading Register of Interests. The Worcestershire Archaeological Society has such a feature, with an amazing range of member interests revealed.
Members are invited to submit details of specialist research interests (descriptions should be confined to five words or less) with their name to the Newsletter Editor. It is hoped details can be published in or with a future Newsletter so that contact may be invited and made through the use of the addresses contained in the List of Members published in Arch. Cant. each year.
P. Oldham
Editor's Note: The KAS Fieldwork Committee is also compiling a list of members who are interested.
Appointment of New Honorary Assistant Secretary, Lectures
Members will be pleased to learn that Mr. Terry Lawson has agreed to take on the task of arranging the annual programme of KAS lectures which have formerly been so successful and enjoyable under the management of Mr. Don Coast. Mr. Lawson was officially appointed by Council on 24th February 1996 and his services and presence will be greatly welcomed by all. Anyone wishing to communicate with Mr. Lawson should write to him. Mr. Lawson would appreciate suggestions from members regarding subjects and speakers for future lectures and suitable venues where they could take place.
Events, Outings, Lectures
KAS EVENTS
STOP PRESS. 1996, Summer Excursion to the Dordogne. (29th, June to 2nd, July inclusive). Now is the last opportunity to apply to join the Society's Summer Excursion to the Dordogne, based on Souillac. There are only two double or shared rooms still available. Please apply as soon as possible to the Excursion Secretary, Mrs. Joy Saynor.
Likewise, please apply, with stamped addressed envelope to Mrs. Saynor, for details of the Summer day excursions, including on July 13th a guided tour of Shoreham Village and strawberry tea and on September 7th an all day coach visit to Flag Fen near Peterborough - the extremely important Bronze Age site.
Mrs. J. Saynor, Excursion Secretary.
Saturday, 18th May 1996. KAS AGM (see enclosed leaflet).
KAS FIELDWORK ACTIVITIES
Sunday, 12th May 1996. Fieldwork in an Urban Setting. Mr. Gravett will explain various aspects of urban development within Tunbridge Wells. A guided walk. Start 2.00 pm. (Bring stout shoes).
Saturday, 22nd June 1996. Resistivity Survey. Members of the Maidstone Area Archaeological Group, led by Mr. Daniels will explain the theory and practice of resistivity surveying. Practical sessions will be augmented with case studies and interpretations. The session will begin at 11.00 am at Tovil, Maidstone. Enrolment fee: £2.
Saturday, 6th July 1996. The Recording of Ledger Slabs. Members of the Maidstone Area Archaeological Group, led by Mr. Daniels, will give a practical demonstration in the recording of ledger slabs in the floor of All Saints Church, Maidstone. The session will begin at 2.00 pm. Enrolment fee: £2.
Saturday, 7th September. Field Survey. Mr. Le Gear will demonstrate the techniques of a taped field survey for those with little or no experience. The practical exercise will start at 10.30 am at the Bradbourne School, Sevenoaks. Enrolment fee: £2.
To participate in any of the above activities please contact Mr. D. Bacchus.
KAS ONE DAY CONFERENCE ON ANGLO-SAXON KENT organised by the Fieldwork Committee. This conference entitled Dark Ages or Discovery? will take place on Saturday, 19th October 1996 at St. Pauls Church Hall, Maidstone, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Speakers will include: Mr. K. Gravett (President, KAS), Mr. D. Perkins (Trust for Thanet Archaeology), Mr. K. Parfitt (Dover Archaeological Group), Mr. P. Bennett (Canterbury Archaeological Trust), Mrs. S. Hawkes (University of Oxford). Tickets: £4 to KAS members. Non-members (or at the door) £5. Tickets and programme may be obtained from Dunelm House, Main Road, Icklesham, Winchelsea, East Sussex TN36 4AR. SAE please.
KAS TRAINING EXCAVATION. The KAS, with the Trust for Thanet Archaeology is planning a series of two week Training Excavations on a Roman site in East Kent. It is intended to run the first session in early September 1996. For those wishing to register interest please contact Mr. D. Bacchus.
LOWER MEDWAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL GROUP welcomes visitors (£1 entrance) to the lectures which are held monthly in the Function Room, King's Head, High St., (near the castle) Rochester at 8 pm.
Monday, 20th May 1996. Roman Amphitheatre, Guildhall, London, by Mr. N. Bateman, Museum of London.
Monday, 24th June. Garden Archaeology at Chatham Historic Dockyard, by Mrs. Barbara Marchant.
Monday, 29th July. Archaeological Quiz organised by Mike Freeman.
KENT HISTORY SEMINARS, 1996. Dr. Shirley Black's popular day conferences continue throughout the year and are held at 33 Tudor Drive, Otford TN14 SQP. Fee: £9 per day (includes light lunch).
Saturday, 11th May. Navvies and Navigators: from Tonbridge to Rochester.
Saturday, 8th June. Divided Loyalties: Kent and the Civil War.
Saturday, 17th August. Softest Clothing: The Woollen Industry in Kent.
Saturday, 21st September. New Lands for Old.
For further details and enrolment write to: Dr. S. Black.
ROMNEY MARSH RESEARCH TRUST.
Friday, 26th April 1996. The Eighth Spring Lecture will be given by Dr. Mark Gardiner on Barons and Lords: Cinque Ports Merchants and the Reclamation of Marshland near Rye. This will be held at the Community Hall, Conduit St., Rye. Tickets (to include a glass of wine) £3 for Friends of RMRT. £5 for non-members.
Saturday, 14th September. 1996 Study Day. The Pre-history of the Marsh. In the morning there will be three short presentations at the Guildhall in Lydd and the afternoon will include field demonstrations at selected sites in the Lydd area. Tickets: £10.00 (to include morning coffee and buffet lunch). Apply to Mrs. Elspeth Keeling. Please enclose SAE, cheque to be made out to RMRT.
THE ROMAN PAINTED HOUSE, DOVER. KARU are presenting a special event, Meet the Romans at the Roman Painted House, New St., Dover on Saturday, 15th June 1996 when members of the public are invited to 'Find out what life was really like in Roman Britain from a Roman Soldier, (with military armour, weapons and equipment) and a Roman lady (with everyday Roman objects).
Presentations will be given by Corridors of Time at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Entrance fee: £1.50/50p children and OAP. Further details: Roman Painted House. Tel: 01304 203279.
ROMAN PAINTED HOUSE BRASS RUBBING CENTRE. From April 1996 a selection of facsimiles will be available for brass rubbing. These will include some well-known medieval brasses from the S.E. and especially for children, figures of Roman soldiers. Open April - October daily (not Mondays) 10.00am to 5.00pm Entrance: £1.50/50p child, OAP, plus modest additional charge for brass rubbing.
TONBRIDGE SCHOOL CHAPEL. 9th June 1996. An Organ recital will be given in the newly rebuilt chapel which was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1988. It is well worth a visit and interested members should contact the Music School, Tonbridge School, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1JP. Tel: 01732 365555.
C.B.A. (South East) AGM will be held at Guildford. Full programme not yet available but the afternoon lecture will be on an archaeological site in Surrey. Contact Mrs. Sheila Broomfield for further information.
EXCAVATIONS AT SCADBURY MOATED MANOR, CHISLEHURST. This site will again be open to the public this year on Saturday, 14th September and Sunday, 15th September.
Members of the Orpington & District Archaeological Society (ODAS) will give guided tours, showing the work that is currently being done on the site as well as the remains of the foundations of the buildings associated with the Walsinghamfamily. Unlike many similar moated sites the island is still completely surrounded by wattr. Guide tours will be given at 15 minute intervals throughout both afternoons, the first at 2.00pm and the last at 4.30pm. There will also be a slide show, refreshments and a book stall. Admission is free. Limited car parking is available close to the site, by ticket only for which application should be made (enclosing a SAE and stating on which day required to: Mr. M. Meekums.
NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM DAY COURSE. Saturday, 1st, June 1996. 10.15am-4.15pm. Tire Royal Dockyards from Pepys to Bru11e/ focussing partjcularly on Portsmouth and Chatham. Cost £25. Further information from Penny Downer at the Museum on Tel: 0181 312 6747.
WEALD and DOWNLAND OPEN AIR MUSEUM. W. Sussex. SUMMER SCHOOL. 6th to 13th, July 1996. This will include lectures, visits, demonstrations, social events and concerts with five themes related to the work of the Museum. (Social History, Local studies, Archaeology, Garden History, Literature, Music and Art. Further information from: Carol Hawkins, Weald and Downland Museum, Singleton, Chichester, W. Sussex PO18 0EU. Tel: 01243 811363.
LONDON LECTURES
The Annual Lecture and AGM of the London Archaeologist Magazi11e will be held at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 14th, May 1996 at the Lecture Theatre, Institute of Archaeology, 31-34 Gordon Square, London WCI. The speaker will be Peter Rowesome on Excavations at No. J Poultry - an Upda/€. All subscribers, friends and members of the public are welcome to attend the lecture. Refreshments are served from 6.30pm.
TOWER OF LONDON LECTURE. 26th, June 1996. The Tower Armouries by Guy Wilson. The Tower educational facilities also conduct Study Days. For further information: The Tower of London Education Centre, Waterloo Block, HM Tower of London EC3N 4AB. Tel: 0171 488 5658.
