Kent Underground Research Group (A Branch of the Kent Archaeological Society)

To many people, mining is an activity that is restricted to the Industrial North with the exception of a few coal mines near Dover. In fact, the very term 'Mining' is usually associated with coal but this was only one of the many minerals that have been mined in Britain over the years. Prior to this century, Britain was an important producer of metals and Derbyshire lead and Cornish tin were a major reason for the Roman invasion.

So how does the South-East fit into this? Surprisingly enough, this is one of the oldest mining areas in Britain. At Cissbury, in Sussex, there were Neolithic flint mines which produced the material to manufacture flint tools and the Forest of the Weald was for many years the centre of an iron industry. Near Maidstone, white sand was mined for use in the glass industry and gypsum was (and still is) mined at Mountfield. The number of above mines pales into insignificance when compared to the excavations which have been made in chalk, a mineral which has been exploited continuously since Roman times.

The purpose of K.U.R.G. is to identify the remains of these industries and carry out research and preservation wherever possible. We are mining historians - a unique blend of unlikely opposites. We are primarily archaeologists and carry out academic research into the history of underground features and associated industries. To do this we must be practical and thus have the equipment and expertise to carry out exploration and surveying of disused mines etc. Unlike other mining areas, the South East has few readily available records of mines and mining activities. Therefore, an important part of the Group's function is to maintain an up-to-date record of sites past and present. Members are encouraged to carry out research into individual sites and this information is published in the Group's newsletters and publications.

Through membership of the National Association of Mining History Organisations, the Group is in contact with over 40 Societies and Museums throughout Britain, which allows liaison and exchange of information.

Mining history is a relatively recent branch of archaeology and there is great scope for original research in the South East. We welcome new members who have an interest in mining history and experts within the Group are able to teach them techniques of safe underground exploration should they desire to learn. They are welcome to assist with ongoing projects and we can suggest many areas where they can carry out their own research. Members can contribute just as much from surface recording and archival research as those members who are more enthusiastic about underground exploration.

Members of the Group are willing, at short notice to check out sibsidences, explore and carry out a survey and advise householders, developers and planning authorities on the extent of a collapse or working and then suggest remedial or emergency measures. There are four nominated Field Officers each covering a specific area. (Ashford, Bexley, Chatham, London).

Anyone interested in learning more about the Group or becoming a members should write to Mr. R. LeGear.

K.A.S. members are welcome to attend any meetings or activities organised by the K.U.R.G.