KAS Newsletter, Issue 47, Autumn 2000
High Weald Archaeological Landscape Survey: A progress report
This fieldwork project commenced last winter with the support of the KAS Fieldwork Committee. The area of interest is centred in the Weald around the parish of Benenden. The work has already extended to sites in Cranbrook and Tenterden. A small group of active fieldworkers have been engaged in undertaking field surveys which include looking again at known sites and identifying new ones. The work is taking place under the guidance of the writer of this report who had been surprised by the amount of evidence for human exploitation of the Low Weald revealed in his earlier fieldwork and is keen to see whether this trend is repeated in the High Weald. The landscape here would appear, in many ways, to be more suited to early occupation.
The metalling used was waste material from the iron industry, mainly slag, and concentrations of this can be successfully located by the use of a 'top of the range' metal detector which can be set to show up different types of metal. When combined with fieldwalking this has proved to be a most efficient use of the new technology which was unavailable to earlier fieldworkers such as Margary. In the parish of Benenden the Roman road from Benenden to Ashford has been sectioned in two places. The road was found to be intact and varied in width from 8ft to 16ft and consisted of a slag layer averaging 9 inches thick, (see FIG 1). In the section it is possible to see the individual dumps of iron slag created when the road was first constructed or as a result of later repairs. There were ruts left in the surface of this road as were also found in the road at Holtye in Sussex.
Part of the project has been to re-survey the routes of the two known Roman roads traversing the area. These were first traced in the 1930's and later published in detail by I D Margary in his classic work Roman Ways in the Weald Some of the routes will have to be somewhat amended as a direct result of our work. In many locations Air photographs from RCHM, now English Heritage, have shown that these roads are still visible in places despite the relatively extensive tree cover and the effects of agricultural activity. Some traces of early field systems are also to be seen on some of the photographs suggesting that the land has been cultivated since the Iron Age and Romano-British periods as has been found around Headcom and Ukombe.
The usual scatters of Neolithic and Bronze Age flints are found during most fieldwalking expeditions together with more recent material. Several previously un recorded earthworks have also been discovered, these include those relating to waterpowered sites located in the valleys or 'gills' and an earthbank, possibly a warren or boundary bank situated in Hemstead Forest.
When a section across the Roman Road between Benenden and Cranbrook was excavated an industrial area was located where iron working was taking place during the Roman period. Adjacent to the road was a compacted surface of iron working debris and the base of a smelting furnace, together with a small gully containing pottery and further iron slag. Another trench located three more smelting hearths and the post holes and oven of a domestic building of 2nd Century AD date. The Roman Road was not metalled but consisted of a compacted layer with some iron cinder. When the route of this road was surveyed with the metal detector it suggested that the slag metalling was not continuous but was probably only being utilised in areas where it was thought necessary, i.e. low lying sections or on steep gradients.
The work will continue through the coming Winter and a full report on our work will appear in Arch. Cant. in due course.
NEIL ALDRIDGE
THE KENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD SCHOOL
October 7th, 8th, Archaeological Drawing
A practical weekend course on how to illustrate pottery and artifacts found in archaeological excavations. On Saturday, we will concentrate on pottery, with the emphasis on the accurate recording of pottery and the production of publication standard drawings. On Sunday, bone, metal and worked stone will be tackled. The course is led by Jane Russell, senior illustrator of the University College, London. £30 per day.
October 21st, 22nd, Field-walking and Historic Maps
A weekend course led by Dr Paul Wilkinson, who is a specialist in landscape archaeology. On Saturday we will see how historic maps can be used to locate archaeological sites. On Sunday the various methods of field-walking will be explained with a practical session in the field. Non-members £30 per day.
October 29th, Study of Artifacts
A Sunday course on how to identify, interpret and record the main types of archaeological finds resulting from field-work and excavation. In the afternoon we will visit some Iron-Age, Roman, and medieval sites found by field-work and the study of artifacts. £30 for the day.
November 4th, 5th, The Study of Roman Roads
All roads lead to Rome, and Watling Street, just by the Study Centre, is no exception. The course is led by Dr Paul Wilkinson and on Saturday and Sunday we will excavate a section of the Roman Watling Street just by the Centre at Sy ndale. This will add immeasurably to our knowledge of the little known, but most important highway in Roman Britain. £30 per day.
Details from:-
The Kent Archaeological Field School School Farm Oast, Graveney Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 SUP
Tel: 0208 987 8827 or 0585 700 112
Website: www.kafs.co.uk
KAS HOMEPAGE: YOU AND YOUR SOCIETY
Lounging around Loose
Pat Jenner lead a party of twenty six members on a delightful tour of her home village. Showing a wide knowledge of its history old and new she allowed members a glimpse into its unique qualities. A tea was provided by the Friends of Loose Church.
Allington Castle
The Spring social evening at the Castle, by kind permission of the Trustees was attended be seventy members. Although intended to be an open air supper, members were entertained in the Great Hall of the castle because of the bad weather conditions. This hospitality and the added opportunity to explore the beautiful grounds in unexpected sunshine made an enchanting and memorable evening.
Churches Committee
The innovative evening visit to the two marshland churches at Upchurch and Lower Halstow proved very popular being attended by some fifty members and friends. After guidance by Jonathan Fryer at the two churches a very welcome tea was enjoyed at Lower Halstow.
Database of Places of Worship
The KAS Churches Committee is planning to produce a database of all the places of worship in Kent, past and present of all denominations. These include churches, chapels, mosques, temples, synagogues, hospitals and religious houses.
We need volunteers to compile lists for their local area and/ or to undertake research, so if you would like to contribute, or can help in any way (including typing), please contact: Mr Carder for further information.
David Carder, e-mail: david.carder@fdn.co.uk
The Churches Committee continue their programme of church visits on Saturday 7th October, when Throwley, Badlesmere and Leaveland churches will be visited. The architects who have the care of these churches Mr Jonathan Carey Dip Arch., R.I.B.A. Director of Donald Insall Associates of Canterbury and Mr Ralph Wood, partner of Lefevre, Wood and Royle of Rye will give us their perspectives on these churches. Tea at Sheldwich Leas will follow. (See enclosed leaflet).
October 21st 2.15 p.m.: A Tribute to Kenneth Gravett - Building Recorders at the Barn next to Charing Church.
Introduction - Tribute to a Building Recorder. Margaret Lawrence
The History of a small house at Weald,Sevenoaks Raymond Higgs
The Hearth Tax Houses of Kent. An update. Sarah Pearson
Detail from a house on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Maureen Lovering
December 9th
Chrisbnas lunch at the Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood. See enclosed leaflet for details.
Courses, Events, Teaching Aids
Roman Tombs at Keston
Open Day Sunday 14 September, 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
A circular Roman tomb with radiating buttresses and a rectangular tomb, which formed part of a Roman cemetery, c.A.D.200. This is open to the public for the first time in many years as part of the London Open House 2000 by the Bromley & W.Kent Arch. Group and Kent Arch. Rescue Unit in partnership with the London Borough of Bromley.
Guided site talks and displays, Free entry. Pedestrian access only. Car parking at Keston Ponds or Heathfield Road (c.5 minutes walk away.) Information KA.RU. 0208 462 4737.
Celebrating 2,000 years of Christian Heritage: a conference to celebrate the new Millennium
Saturday 4th November, 2000, 2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. at Christ Church University College, Canterbury. Tickets
£33.00 (payable CK.A. and s.a.e. please) from CKA, Sandy Ridge, Borough Green, TN15 BHP.
Christianity in Roman Britain Saxon Churches in Kent Monasticism in Kent, 1066-1540 Churches in Retirement
Dr Thomas Blagg Brian Philp
Tim Tatton-Brown Roy Tricker
Part-Time Courses in Archaeology with the University of Kent
The University of Kent will be offering a wide range of part-time courses in archaeology within its Combined Studies Programme for mature students starting in September. Courses on the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, the Iron Age Celts, the Romans, the Middle Ages, Ancient Egypt, archaeological techniques and standing buildings will be held variously in Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Faversham, Folkestone, Maidstone, Sandwich, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Whitstable. Anyone can join these courses; no prior educational qualifications are necessary. Students can study just for pleasure and interest, although they can study towards an award of the University if they wish.
Some places also remain in the Universityis part-time Certificate in Archaeological Studies (at Tonbridge this year) and its Diploma in Archaeological Studies (at Tonbridge and Canterbury). These programmes can lead to a degree in archaeological studies through part-time study. Admission is via an informal interview.
For further information, please contact the Unit for Regional Learning, Keynes College, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NP. Tel; 01227 823507. E-mail:Part-time@ukc.ac.uk. Web: www.ukc.ac.uk/url/
Courses Academic Year 2000-2001 WEA courses starting September 2000
For date, time, venue and other details contact WEA Head Office, 4 Castle Hill, Rochester, 0800 328 1060
Villa and Town in Roman Britain: Sevenoaks, Wednesday afternoons.
Local Archaeology : Dover, Wednesday evenings.
Local Archaeology: Gravesend, Thursday evenings.
Starting in January 2001: Local Archaeology: Faversham, Thursday evenings.
GCSE Archaeology starting in September 2000
Medway Eastgate Adult Education Centre. For more details contact (01634) 845359 Faversham Adult Education Centre. For more details contact (01227) 451017
GCE A Level Medieval History starting in September 2000
Medway Eastgate Adult Education Centre. For more details contact (01634) 845359
Adult Education Course
Medway Eastgate Adult Education Centre: Local Archaeology; Wednesday evenings starting in January 2001. For more details contact (01634) 845359
The Kent Archaeological Field School
Practical Archaeology Fifteen Monday evening lectures and two Saturday Day-Schools held by Dr Paul Wilkinson at the K.A.F.S. from Monday 18th September.
The course will include the following topics:-
What is Archaeology - The Age of Man, Voices from the Past, Palaces and Royal Graves, Secrets of the New World, Digging up the Past, The Dating Revolution.
The Lie of the Land - The Archaeological landscape, the Romance of maps, A Birds-Eye view, The visible past, Looking more closely.
Understanding the past - Artefacts and ecofacts, From the grave, Social organisation, Oues from Place-names. The two Saturday Day Schools will be fieldwalking and medieval churches in the landscape.
For more details or to book please contact Kent Field Study Centre, School Fann Oast, Graveney Road, Faversham, ME13 SUP. Tel: 0208 987 8827 or 0585 700112. Website: www.kafs.co.uk
Canterbury Archaeological Trust
C.A.T has been able to establish a website through a partnership project with Kent County Council Education and Libraries. This project has enabled C.A.T to make archaeology accessible to a much wider audience. KCC was successful in gaining funding for the purpose from the Govemmentis National Grid for Learning Initiative, The aim of the NGIL programme is to make information and resources available to people at all levels of formal and informal education via the internet.
Anyone who now visits the Trusts website will find masses of valuable information and resources, particularly (at the moment) on the Schools and Beyond zone where CAT has posted numerous items of interest for pupils teachers and the wider public.
This content reflects much of the work of Archaeology in Education Service which is managed by Canterbury Archaeological Trust and receives financial support from Kent Archaeological Society, Kent County Council Education and Libraries, Friends of Canterbury Archaeological Trust and most recently Medway Council and Canterbury City Council.
The website is to be found at: www.canterburytrust.co.uk
Please contact Marion Green {CAT Education Officer) with any comments about the site. Either at CAT, 92a Broad Street, Canterbury, KENT, CT1 2LU or telephone 01227 462062. Fax 01227 784724 or e-mail: mariongreen@canterburytrust.co.uk.
LIFE IN A ROMAN VILLA: Education Pack for Primary Schools
In October 1992, the Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington, following rescue excavations in 1988-9 and a preservation scheme in 1990-92, all undertaken by the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit, in partnership with the London Borough of Bromley, was opened to the public. Since then the remains of this Roman Villa, within a modem cover building, has been visited by over 30,000 visitors during its annual opening seasons of April to October. Thousands of these visitors have been children on organised school visits as part of their history studies, drawn from Kent, Surrey, S.E. and central London schools. Indeed the 30,000th visitor was 8 year old George Howe on an educational visit with his class from Keston Primary School! The educational facilities at Crofton Roman Villa have expanded over the years with guided talks on the villa-house, handling finds, activities such as mosaic making and special schools events with a Roman centurion and a Roman lady. As part of this educational programme at the Villa, in October 1999 an Education Pack was produced for primary schools.
The Pack has been designed to integrate a site visit and history lessons in school with the National Literacy Strategy and to help teachers fit Roman and Local History Studies into a busy school timetable. It is aimed at Years 3 and 4 but it can also be used for Years 2, 5 and 6 and although centred on Crofton Roman Villa can certainly be used without a site visit.
The Pack consists of two files in three sections: information sheets, work sheets and resource material. The 20 A4 Information Sheets are for classroom use describing life in a Roman villa, including a time-line, map of Roman West Kent and line drawings (many drawn by local student, Sarah Dryland whilst on work experience with the Unit). Topics covered include who lived at the villa, the villa-house, the farm, food, clothes, games and travelling.
Over 100 A4 worksheets are for use on site and in the classroom and cover life in the villa based on elements in the National Literacy Strategy, such as labelling; note taking; design for publication; meaning of words; story, letter and diary writing; newspaper reporting and direct speech. The extensive resource material includes quotations from Roman sources; newspaper cuttings of the excavation and preservation scheme; photographs of the excavations and artefacts; post-Roman material and tabulated suggestions of use of the Pack and the National Literacy Strategy for Years 3 to 6.
Life in a Roman Villa: Education Pack:
Price £28.00
By post from: K.A.R. U, 5 Harvest Bank Road,
West Wickham, Kent, BR4 9DL Please add £6.30 for post and packing (payable K.A.R.U.) or directly from (during normal opening hours) for just £28.00
Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington (020 8462 4737)
Bromley Museum,The Priory, Church Hill, Orpington (01689 873826)
BOOK REVIEW
Arden Enterprises Faversham Hundred Records Volume 3
ISBN 0-9530998-1-4
Faversham Tudor and Stuart Muster Rolls by
Patricia Hyde and Duncan Harrington
The most unusual feature of these muster rolls is that they concern both soldiers and seamen, particularly in the years leading up to the Armada in 1588. The records in this volume cover the period dating from the proclamation enforcing the statutes for maintaining horse and armour, otherwise known as the 1558 Arms Act, to the Restoration. Service in the militia had been part of the duties of an Anglo Saxon freeman. The militia was a citizen army, like the Home Guard, which was liable to be called out on a temporary basis in an emergency. The men assembled from time to time for an inspection at a muster, when their details were written on rolls, some of which have survived and are the subject of our study. The militia was traditionally county based, divided into the ancient hundreds and parishes or tithings. No-one was required to muster except in that city, town or village where he had his principal residence, irrespective of where he owned or occupied land, or earned his living. Faversham was outside this system because it was a corporate town and a member of the Cinque Ports as a limb of Dover, but similar arrangements prevailed.
Around this time, as well as being concerned with the militia, the town was starting to get its ship, the Hazard, ready for service for the Cinque Ports. The muster regulations were tightened up in about 1585 at the serious threat of danger. As elsewhere, Faversham muster rolls changed. As well as the lists street by street for the general or rear band we have another roll of the names of the men selectyd band wythein the towne and liberty of Faversham selectyd chosen and sworn by a group of gentlemen at a general muster on 27 September 1585. Able men were at last being chosen. We then have a virtual copy of the select roll and, finally, an incomplete roll for the general roll. All this effort surely indicates how much trouble that was being taken.
These muster rolls can with care be constructively used by local and family historians. There are hundreds of names that can the more easily be identified at Faversham because the lists are set out street by street. The book approx. 170mm x 250mm in size, is sewn and hardback. There are 36 introductory pages including a glossary, and 215 pages of lists and indexes, with 6 black and white illustrations. Only 150 numbered and signed copies are being printed for sale.
The volume is offered at £25.00 plus £3.85 postage and packing in the U.K and £4.80 surface mail overseas.
LETTERS
Dear Sir
In June 2001 Arden Enterprises hope to publish a history of the Faversham Oyster Fishery which we have been researching for some while. We would like to include photographs of Faversham Oyster dredgers or their crews etc. and wonder whether there are any members who would be willing to loan us such items for publication. If you have some photographs or other items please would you contact us.
e-mail Research@btintemet.com.
Yours faithfully
Duncan Harrington
Dear Mr Ilott
I have acquired your name from the KAS website. I am not sure whether you are the appropriate officer of the Society to contact but, if not, perhaps you would be kind enough to pass this letter on.
I am an ex-member of the Society and, as such, have a number of past volumes of Archaeologia Cantiana for which I no longer have shelf room and would like to dispose of. They could possibly be of interest to an existing member who would like to extend his own collection. They comprise the journals for the following years: 1950, 1952, 1954, 1963, and 1966-1982 inclusive, i.e. 21 volumes in total, plus the index volume 1858- 1968.
I would appreciate some advice about how to proceed, (e.g. a notice in your newsletter?) and, if possible, an indication of their secondhand value, Obviously I would be prepared to share the proceeds in some way with the Society.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
MR A COOK
Newsletter Copy Deadlines
Spring issue - copy deadline is 1st March. Summer issue - copy deadline is 1st July. Winter issue - copy deadline is 1st November.
Editors Announcement
The Editors of the Newsletter welcome all letters, articles and communications, especially requests for research information , finds, books and other related topics. The Editors wish to draw the reader's attention to the fact that neither the Council of the KAS, nor the Editors are answerable for opinions which contributors may express in the course of their signed articles. Each author is alone responsible for the contents and substance of their letters, items or papers. Material for the next Newsletter should be sent by 1st November 2000 to Newsletter Editors, Mr & Mrs L. E. Ilott.
Published by the Kent Archaeological Society, The Museum. SL Faith's Street Maidstone, Kent ME14 ILH
Printed by Comolith, K=lble Road, Forest HiU London SE23 20). Tel: 020 8699 8759 Fax: 020 8699 8981 e-mail: sales@comolith.demon.co.uk