The Royal Commission on Historial Monuments in Kent
The Royal Commission was created by Royal Warrant in 1908 "to make an inventory of the Ancient and Historical Monuments and constructions connected with or illustrative of the contemporary culture, civilization and conditions of life of the people of England." This step indicated a growing awareness of and concern about the destruction of Britain's heritage, and of the need for a well-informed national assessment. Until recently, investigation proceeded on a county and parish basis, and the results were published summarily in Parliamentary white papers, and more fully in scholarly Inventories through H M Stationery Office. But no one appreciated at that time the enormity of the task in so rich a historical landscape as exists in England. The resources of the Commission have never been sufficient for the increasingly demanding task as knowledge has grown while the architectural and archaeological evidence supporting it has been progressively eroded. Part of the problem has been eased by the Department of the Environment's programme of listing buildings of architectural and historical interest, now carried on by the recently created Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission. However, the speed with which listing has to be conducted, often from the exterior of buildings only, means there is still a need for more detailed analysis. This is particularly obvious in Kent where so many medieval buildings hide behind later facades.
RCHM formerly fought shy of tackling the architecture of Kent because of the numbers of its historic buildings. But in recent years, the Commission has recognized that the task of covering England with parish-by-parish surveys is impossible. With the small resources available, selection of some kind is inevitable, and so projects are now thematic and closely defined, concerned with questions and problems raised by particular types of building and by the historical background of particular areas. In this way, it is hoped to contribute towards a greater understanding of our national heritage and the role that buildings play. Each project should be completed and published, not necessarily as lavishly as in the past, within a limited period of time, usually varying between 3-5 years. In these circumstances, the richness of Kent becomes an exciting challenge rather than an impossible and never-ending task.
The topic of the first project has yet to be decided, but Commissioners have expressed the desire that it should concern the wealth of medieval domestic building in the county. Kent is uniquely rich in this class of building and although much work has been, and is being, done locally, the subject is so large that it is hoped that the resources of RCHM can help to clarify some of the broader questions concerning construction, plans, types, sizes, dates, and numbers of buildings, and their relation to the history of the county. The team will consist of two architectural investigators and one graphics officer. During the autumn, they have been acquainting themselves with the history and topography of Kent, the wide variety of its buildings, and the many interested people who are already active in recording buildings in the county. Project work should begin early in the New Year.
Tolhurst Farm, Smarden, stripped and ready for restoration.
In addition to project work, RCHM records historic buildings which are the subject of applications to alter, restore or demolish. Most of this investigation is undertaken by a special team based in London, but work in Kent will now be done from the new office in Ashford. Already several buildings have been recorded, including the interesting hall house at Tolhurst Farm, Smarden, which is being restored by new owners.
A plan and cross section of Tolhurst Farm, Smarden, drawn by A.T. Adams (RCHM).
For further information, contact Sarah Pearson, RCHM.
