KAS Newsletter, Issue 7, Autumn 1984
The Challenge of Romney Marsh
By Jill Eddison
Romney Marsh is one of the three great marshlands of England - but in terms of modern research into its occupation, reclamation and history, it is still very much the poor relation of the Fens and Somerset Levels.
Until the Soil Survey Memoir by R. D. Green was published in 1968, the "story" of the Marsh was based on Camden (1586) and Dugdale (1662), built upon by a Victorian engineer and historians (Arch.Cant.XIII) and by 20th-century specialists working individually on Saxon Charters or geomorphology.
More up-to-date research is urgently needed. Already we can show that neither the Rhee "Wall" (in fact, a canal) nor Dymchurch Wall were Roman; that the "Archbishops' Innings" were not innings from the sea at all; and that the sea took at least fifty years to wash away Old Winchelsea - rather than just the one storm described so graphically by Camden some 300 years after the event.
The Marsh contains research topics of infinite challenge: the fluctuating fortunes of four Cinque Ports; topography, drainage ditches, and church sites - which surely go back much earlier than the church fabrics suggest; peat beds and sediments to provide evidence of prehistoric and later environments; a unique series of medieval innings (after storms had made half the Marsh into tidal flats for a time, and also overwhelmed New Romney - see map and photograph).
Major problems are still unanswered. Where were the courses of the River Rother before 1257? Who built the Rhee canal, when and why? Which was the original port of Romney? Because almost all the Marsh has been inundated by the sea since the Roman period, the problems must be approached by historians and archaeologists working in close conjunction with geographers and geologists.
A Romney Marsh Workshop is to be held, under the auspices of the Kent Archaeological Society, at Tenterden on Saturday 20th October 1984, with some 5 or 6 speakers, all involved in research on the Marsh. Tickets (limited numbers, price £1, payable to the K.A.S. with S.A.E.) from Mrs Jill Eddison.
Archaeology at Work
10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.Saturday, 29th September ,Queen Elizabeth School, Abbey Place,,Faversham
Admission Free - by previously obtained ticket from Ted Connell, 29 Penenden, New Ash Green, Dartford DA3 SLR
See Page 5 for details
The President Writes to All Members
It was with great concern that I received and read a few days before the A.G.M last May 19th an anonymous circular sent to me through the post. This purported to be written by someone in touch with senior members of the Society and urged those entitled to vote in the elections to use their votes in favor of particular persons who were standing either for membership of the Council or as Vice Presidents. Presumably, it was intended to be a counterblast to a pamphlet put out by the West Kent Archaeological Group recommending several names for support by the electors and asking for an inquiry into the management of the Society.
But apart from its anonymity, which was deplorable, it also contained a personal attack on Mr. Brian Philp and an assertion that there exists a clique among members only interested in rescue archaeology who wish to take over the management of the affairs of the Society. I was sufficiently concerned by the character of this circular to summon an emergency meeting of the Council at Ashford School immediately before the election and A.G.M. and was surprised and relieved to discover that most members of the Council appeared not to have received either circular. Fortified by the fact that both circulars had only reached a limited number of members, that according to our Hon. Secretary something like two-thirds of the ballot papers had been sent in before the anonymous circular went out, by legal advice that the circular did not invalidate the election and supported by the overwhelming vote of the Council members present, I decided that the election should proceed and this was clearly the will of the full meeting. I can well understand that this may have annoyed some of those who failed to secure seats, who have since pressed for new elections... a request which seems to me quite out of order. As an impartial President bent on the work of reconciliation of the different elements in our Society which appear to be in disagreement, I must give it as my considered opinion that the results of the elections really indicate the distress that many ordinary members of the K.A.S. feel at these continuing divisions and their effect on the work of the Society... in such matters as the collapse of the project for a History Trust, funded in part by the Kent County Council, which had great support among members; the voting may well show concern also at the Court action now pending between Mr. Philp and ten senior members of the Society. This last is a sad business and since I have great respect for Mr. Philp as an archaeologist of immense energy and ability, I am still hoping (and praying) that he will reconsider his position.
But in the meantime, I must make it clear that in the future if our elections and A.G.M. are not to be annually disrupted by disputes about their validity, those who wish to issue circulars in favor of various candidates should see that they reach all members of the Society and that they should be properly signed.
The business of proxy voting was rejected as a normal practice by a decisive vote of the A.G.M. and the debatable point as to whether we should really ask Vice Presidents to submit to election each year was referred to the Rules Committee for further scrutiny.
In case I did not make this clear at the A.G.M., I want to emphasize the fact that the County Council in rejecting the project for a History Trust in its original form has not closed the door on backing some sorts of projects concerned with the advance of historical and archaeological studies in Kent with financial support, provided that the Society can come up with suggestions that are really likely to further our activities in a worthwhile way without controversy. I would ask that those who read this letter may do some real thinking and then suggest to the Council through our Hon. Secretary projects that may win the support we all desire from the County funds.
Derek Ingram Hill.
Autumn Excursions: A Visit to London Saturday 6th October 1984
A day visit to London. In the morning we shall visit Lesnes Abbey, Abbey Wood, where we will be shown around by Peter Tester. Then, after a picnic lunch, on to the City of London to visit the latest archaeological excavations and take a tour of Roman London organized by 'Citisites'.
The coach will depart from Canterbury at 9.20 a.m., pick up at Maidstone at 10.15 a.m. and the Black Prince, Bexley, at 11.00 a.m. We expect to leave London at approximately 5.00 p.m. Total cost £5.50; cheques and S.A.E. to M.A. Crane.
Two Ways to Save Money
Mrs. Margaret Lawrence, Hon. Subscription Secretary
Bankers Orders
It may have been noticed that this year we have been campaigning for members to pay their subscription by bankers order and many more have done so for the first time. This has several mutual advantages; it saves the Society the cost of stationery and postage on sending reminders (sometimes three); it saves the member the trouble of remembering to pay because the bank does it automatically for you and your Arch. Cant. and voting papers are assured; and it saves the Hon. Memb. Sees' patience (most important). If January the first is not the most convenient time to pay out then an order dated the first of February will be acceptable.
Covenants
If you pay income tax, you can help increase the Society's income at no extra cost to yourself by signing the enclosed four-year Covenant form and returning it to me. This enables the Society to recover £3 on a £7 subscription making it worth £10. However, only a small number help in this way (about 60) at present. If, say, 500 members signed we could recover a dazzling £1,500 which would be to members' advantage because the greater the income from subscriptions the less likely will the subscription have to increase. After the initial signing, there follows only one communication, and you are left in peace with the Society's thanks.
So act now and complete and return the enclosed Bankers Order/Covenant to me.
Next Copy Date
The copy date for the Winter issue, to be published on 1st January 1985, will be 1st November, 1984 and all contributions should be sent to the Editor, Ted Connell.
AGM 1984
The Annual General Meeting was held at Ashford on the morning of May 19th. Council's Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for 1983 were approved.
Officers
All the retiring Officers were re-elected, the Hon. General Secretary (526 votes to 146) and the Hon. Librarian (438 votes to 172) after a ballot had been taken.
Patrons
The following were elected Patrons of the Society as being persons of distinction associated with the County: The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, P.C., O.O.; The Viscount de L'Isle, V.C., K.G.; The Lord Brabourne; Major H.R. Pratt Boorman, C.B.E., M.A., O.L.; The Rt. Hon. W.F. Deedes, M.C., D.L.; Dr Felix Hull, B.A., PH.D., F.R.HIST.S., and Mr Robin Leigh-Pemberton, M.A., D.L.
Vice-Presidents
The following were elected Vice-Presidents of the Society: Mr C.W. Chalklin, M.A.; Mr C.R. Councer, F.S.A.; Mr L.R.A. Grove, B.A., F.S.A., F.M.A.; Mr R.F. Jessup, F.S.A.; Lt. Col. G.W. Meates, F.S.A.; Miss E. Melling, B.A.; The Lord Northbourne, M.A.; Miss Anne Roper, M.B.E., J.P., F.S.A.; and Dr John Whyman, S.Sc., PH.D.
Council After a ballot Mr J. Bradshaw (498 votes), Dr R.H. Cragg, B.Sc., PH.D. (464 votes), Mr K.W.E. Gravett, M.Sc., F.S.A. (553 votes), Mr R.H. Hiscock, LL.B., F.S.A. (520 votes), Mrs J.M. Saynor, M.A. (490 votes) and Mr C.G.W. Simmons (462 votes), were elected. In addition Mr J. Owen (383 votes) was elected to fill the casual vacancy for one year. Mr R.J. Ansell (191 votes), Mr W.E. Fairhead (167 votes), Mr S. Harker (272 votes) and Mr B.J. Philp (231 votes) were not elected.
Rules The amendments to Rules 29, 12 and 16 proposed by the Rules Committee, were agreed but the amendment to Rule 15, introducing a system of proxy voting was defeated, as was the proposal that a referendum should be held upon the amendment.
Afternoon Lecture
In the afternoon members heard a most interesting lecture, illustrated with color slides by Mr T.W.T. Tatton-Brown, B.A., Director of the Canterbury Archaeological Trust. He told us about the work of the Trust in surveying and drawing the surviving buildings within the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral. He indicated that when the survey is finished, we will have one of the most complete plans of a Benedictine Priory in Britain.
Displays
Following on from the last A.G.M., there were many displays of work undertaken by both individual members and Affiliated Societies, which were greatly appreciated by the people attending the A.G.M. and Lecture. Our thanks to all of them for their hard work. Our thanks also to the members of the Ashford Archaeological & Historical Group who kept everybody supplied with very welcome cups of coffee.
I should also like to take this opportunity to thank Pam and Ted Connell for all their hard work in organizing such a successful day.
Arthur Harrison
Hon. General Secretary
Aerial Archaeology & Romney Marsh
by Neil Aldridge
Members may be interested to learn of another source of aerial photographs, covering a specific part of the county.
Whilst engaged in some fieldwork on the borders of Romney Marsh during 1983, it became clear that an aerial view of the area where we were working might prove useful in understanding the features visible from ground level. At the suggestion of a colleague, I contacted the Potato Marketing Board at Maidstone, who apparently carry out an aerial survey of the Marsh every few years during the summer in connection with E.E.C. regulations regarding the amount of potatoes grown in this country.
The staff at the Board's offices proved to be extremely helpful and supplied us with twenty-five black and white photographs taken during June and July in 1979 and 1981 at a height of around 1,000 feet.
We have since purchased copies of four of these showing the area we are interested in.
The Board holds extensive coverage of areas of Romney Marsh, Thanet, and other parts of East Kent, mainly dating from 1978 to 1984. Inquiries should be addressed to: The Area Supervisor, The Potato Marketing Board, 17-18 Granada House, Gabriels Hill, Maidstone, enclosing if possible a tracing of the area required giving N.G.R. points. - Ed.
Northdown Excavation, Margate
The Northdown area contains a great wealth of archaeological monuments as clearly shown by cropmarks on aerial photographs in the Cambridge University Collection. They suggest that the area was a major focus of burial and perhaps ceremonial activity in the prehistoric period. Most crop-marks are of small circular ditched enclosures, perhaps ploughed-out round barrows. There are also traces of linear ditches, some of which may be remains of a former field system and others which may be burial enclosures. There are, too, a few slightly larger, more complex, circular crop-marks with suggestions of internal features. One of these has a ditch with probable traces of a former external bank and so, in form at least, is henge-like. This latter site is being excavated this summer by the Central Excavation Unit of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, and the work should be completed by the end of September. Anyone wishing to help should contact George Smith on site (just north of East Northdown Farm), Sundays-Thursdays 8.30-5.00 or in writing to HBMC Excavations. It is hoped to hold an Open Day for visitors on Sunday 23 September. If this proves possible, it will be confirmed by an advertisement the previous week in the local paper.
Tyland Barn Project
by Andrew Proctor
The newest museum in Kent, The Cobtree Museum of Kent Rural Life, in conjunction with the Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council, has initiated an intensive survey of an 18th-century barn at Tyland Farm, Sandling, near Maidstone. The barn has been selected to become one of the principal buildings in the new museum complex being formed at the Cobtree site. It is proposed to dismantle and remove the structure this summer and in due course, it will probably be rebuilt as an exhibition hall for housing agricultural equipment.
Archaeological Background
With the interests of farm architecture, local history, and archaeology in mind, the opportunity has been taken to carry out a full investigation of the present condition and past history of the building with special interest in its constructional details. The survey is using standard archaeological methods and techniques throughout to produce an exact and highly detailed architectural record.
Local History
As a general type, the building may be described as an aisled five-bay threshing barn with a queen strut, collar, and tiebeam rafter roof with all its major timbers assembled in the "normal" manner. There exists considerable evidence for the reuse of older and secondary timbers from other buildings, many of which reveal a variety of carpenters' marks and disused joints. It is also apparent that there have been several phases of random and patchy repairs to the fabric. As yet, there is not enough evidence to give a reasonably precise date, but it is believed that an 18th-century date is most likely. In a later period during the mid-19th century, a major extension was made to the barn adding a further seven meters and a new loft, giving the building its lengthy appearance.
Farm Buildings
The survey proper ended in July, but research will continue all year. Any information or comments from members who have knowledge of similar barns of the 17th-19th centuries in their local area would be most welcome and gratefully received. All correspondence should be sent to Andrew Proctor.
It is hoped that the Cobtree Museum of Kent Rural Life will be partially opened to the public later this year.
Excavation and Fieldwork Grants
Are you planning an excavation or fieldwork within the County of Kent during 1985? Grants are available from the K.A.S. to assist with work to be carried out by Affiliated Societies or individual members. Applications on the appropriate form (obtainable from the Hon.Gen.Sec.) should be made to the Hon. General Secretary by 1ST OCTOBER 1984.
Kent Archaeology Teachers Group
In February, a day conference for teachers was held at Sittingbourne. The theme, Archaeology in Schools, was intended to assess the interest of Kent teachers in the teaching of archaeology in schools. Forty-two teachers attended the meeting to hear Tim Tatton-Brown and Mike Corbishley, the Council for British Archaeology Education Officer, speak in association with four teachers. Tim Tatton-Brown gave an outline of recent developments in Kent and provided much valuable up-to-date information. Mike Corbishley then described his role in the CBA and outlined the facilities that the Council could offer to class teachers.
It became quite clear at the end of the day that many people wanted to meet again to discuss further the possibilities of examining the role of archaeology in schools. With this in mind, a small pamphlet was written and circulated outlining the possibilities of further meetings beginning with one at Ashford on July 4th.
This meeting was opened with a lecture by Mrs Ann Bishop who talked about the Butser Ancient Farm Project. Following this, a discussion resolved several of the issues that were floated in the pamphlet. It was decided that another pamphlet should be produced to keep people informed. Above all, it was seen that most teachers present wanted practical help, especially to assist the inclusion of sound archaeological material as part of primary and secondary school history syllabuses. It is therefore hoped that a day's instruction in field walking will be organized later this year. Dr. Hastings, who has been primarily responsible for the arranging of these meetings, had indicated that another day conference may well be held early in 1985.
Although this group of teachers has no official base, it is clear that there is sufficient demand to continue to encourage the teaching of archaeology in schools with emphasis upon the practical aspects of teaching at all levels.
If you are interested in receiving the next pamphlet and any further information, please contact Mr. I.A. Coulson.
Lord Cornwallis Memorial Appeal
Members will wish to know that an appeal is being launched for a permanent memorial in Kent to the life and work of the late Lord Cornwallis, who was a Vice-President of the Society for thirty-five years. Donations should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer of the Appeal at County Hall, Maidstone ME14 1XE
Archaeology at Work
Following the successful meeting held last September at New Ash Green, another Archaeology at Work has been arranged for this year at Faversham on Saturday, 29th September, at the Queen Elizabeth School, Abbey Place. The format will be very much the same, comprising a series of static exhibitions, practical demonstrations and teach-ins on a number of subjects related to archaeology and local history. Here then is your opportunity to extend or perhaps share your knowledge of a particular subject that interests you, together with a chance to see and hear about some other aspects of archaeology and local history.
There will be five classrooms set aside for particular themes, such as Studying Your Parish Churchyard, Heraldry, The Written Record, Medieval Pottery Studies and Building Recording. In the main hall there will be a wide variety of displays by K.A.S. Subject Branches, Affiliated Societies and other organisations studying the history of Kent.
It is hoped that visitors will wander round joining in or just looking and listening, spending as little or as long in each area as they wish. All the activities will run simultaneously, with some being repeated later in the day, so that participants can plan their day accordingly, seeing first those areas which interest them most. The workshop will include the following.
Building Recording
There are more than 400 listed buildings in Faversham, so there will be a unique opportunity for students of vernacular architecture to walk round the town and see many examples of buildings ranging from the 16th century to the 19th century. There will be a display of various surveys including plans and photographs. In the morning Mr Arthur Percival of the Faversham Society will give an illustrated talk about the buildings of Faversham, followed by Mr Tim Tatton-Brown speaking about the techniques of building recording. Members can then walk around the town, ensuring that they call in at the Faversham Society's Fleur De Lis Heritage Centre.
Studying Your Parish Churchyard
There will be an illustrated talk and practical guidance on how to study and record your local churchyard by Mr Duncan Harrington. This will be followed by a visit to Faversham Church to demonstrate in practical terms how such a survey can be done. In addition there will be a display on Sundials and Scratch Dials of Kent.
Heraldry & How to read a Coat of Arms
An exhibition on Heraldry intended to enable those who always wished they could, to take the first steps towards 'reading' a coat of arms; and perhaps to stimulate an interest in the subject. Members are invited to bring along any drawings or photographs of coats of arms that they have encountered locally and they will be helped with the steps that can lead to some very useful information being obtained about local families.
The Written Record
Palaeography (reading and translating old documents), talks on basic knowledge with practical sessions with plenty of opportunity to try your hand with photocopies of local documents. Or bring along any of your own copies that you are researching for assistance in reading them.
Medieval Pottery Studies
Various displays and an opportunity to handle and compare fabrics, ranging from the hard green glazed wares to the common shell/flint-tempered cooking pots. Short illustrated talks on the production and distribution of medieval pottery will take place throughout the day. Please bring along and discuss with others pottery from your own excavations.
Local Archaeological Site
The school playing fields cover the remains of a Roman villa and Royal Abbey of Faversham, which was founded in 1147 by King Stephen. During the construction of the school in 1965 members of the Reculver Excavation Group, led by Brian Philp, recovered the plan of this important monastery, which was destroyed by Henry VIII in the 16th century, and in addition, the plan of a Roman villa of the winged-corridor type. Finds, plans and photographs of the excavations will be on display, together with publications of the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit.
Chart Gunpowder Mills
Rescued and restored by the Faversham Society in 1967, they date from 1760. Just picture the powder being mixed under the huge 3-ton edge-runners and remember that without it Nelson could not have won Trafalgar or Wellington Waterloo. Members of the Faversham Society will be on hand to show visitors around during the afternoon.
Faversham Station is just 5 minutes walk from the school, just off of Abbey Street, with frequent trains from Canterbury and the Kent Coast, and Medway and Bromley to the west. Motorists from London, Dover and the Kent Coast reach Faversham via the M2 motorway.
All are welcome, K.A.S. Members, Affiliated Society members and any interested people, but admission is by free ticket which can be obtained by sending a s.a.e. to: Archaeology at Work '84. To make a really successful day we need you to be there. Please come and join us. It should be an enjoyable day and perhaps we shall all learn something new.
Learning about Archaeology
by Tom Blagg
'Why are you interested in archaeology?' is a question which I find difficult to answer. I could explain how I came to be interested, but why is another matter. Whatever our individual reasons are, though, I think that one of them must be fascination with the endless variety of what we can discover about the past. And for many of us, there comes a time when we would really like to widen or deepen our knowledge, but are not quite sure how to go about doing so. One solution is to join a part-time course of study, and there is quite a range to choose from. Starting usually at the end of September, University Extra-Mural Departments, local authority Adult Education Centres and the Workers Education Association provide tutorial classes which meet weekly, usually in the evening though there are also daytime classes, for up to 20 2-hour sessions. There, with an experienced tutor, the class has an opportunity to study an area of archaeology in some detail over a period of time, and really get to know it.
Not everyone is able to make a regular weekly commitment, however. Day schools and weekend courses provide an opportunity for a more concentrated look at particular subjects, and especially for hearing at first hand from excavators and researchers who have been making new discoveries. For those with some vacation time, there are summer schools, particularly those which offer training in excavation skills and post-excavation work (and, on a personal note, it was on a university summer school which I chanced to see advertised in the window of a local bank that I started my archaeological career sixteen years ago). And there are study tours to areas of archaeological interest in Britain and abroad.
How do you find out about all these things, and where do you go? The School of Continuing Education of the University of Kent organizes courses, both at the University itself at Canterbury and its center at Tonbridge, and in association with K.C.C. Adult Education Centres and W.E.A. branches throughout Kent, some of which also organize their own archaeological courses. All these bodies publish a prospectus in the late summer, which is available on request, and lists courses to be held during the following year. Many are also advertised in local libraries, and see also this Newsletter. Contact these centers and, if you would like to know about future events, ask to be put on the mailing list. Finally (recalling memories of going unwillingly to school), I would say that the great difference is that those who come to these classes are there because they want to be, and that is rewarding for tutors and students alike.
Romano-British Pottery Workshop
by Jason Monaghan
The workshop was held at the Dartford District Archaeological Group Centre on the 24th March, under the auspices of the K.A.S. The meeting was in an open format with an emphasis on informal discussion. Seven short talks were given at hourly intervals. For the remainder of the time, visitors took the opportunity to inspect pottery displays and make contact with others working on ceramics.
Dr Richard Pollard gave a slide talk on the pottery from Lullingstone villa which he is preparing for publication. Jason Monaghan delivered some personal thoughts on the examination and classification of coarse pottery. Chris Breen described how the DDAG approach pottery studies and how their research relates to more wide-ranging works.
Rosemary Jefferies started the afternoon session by showing slides of the Mucking kilns and describing their products. Alec Miles followed this by relating the history of excavations at Cooling, whilst Dr Paul Hayes commented on the restoration of the pottery recovered. Marion Green gave the audience an illustrated description of pottery found at Canterbury. Paul Sealy rounded off the lectures by recounting the investigation of an olive-filled amphora found in the sea off Whitstable. Dr Pollard summed up and Ted Connell closed the meeting. It was rewarding to have some fifty people in attendance including several from Essex.
It is hoped to repeat the experiment next Spring at a different venue and details will be given in this Newsletter. A more detailed account of the meeting may be obtained from Ted Connell.
Letterbox
Sir,
I am undertaking research into Thurnham, Binbury and Stockbury Castles with their attached manors. I would be grateful if any reader who has information, photos, postcards, prints or paintings would get in touch with me to assist in the setting up of an archive.
William Darell's, De Castellis Canti (c.1580) does not seem to be in the archives of the College of Arms, its last known abode. If any reader knows the whereabouts of this largely unpublished treatise on Kent castles, this information may be very useful for present and future research.
Yours sincerely,
Alan Ward.
Walter Colepepper 1462
I would be most grateful to hear from any member who knows of a will, inquisition post mortem or chancery papers on Walter Culpepper (d.c. 1462).
Yours sincerely,
Cdr. E.A. Cobby.
Northwood-Norton families (1180-1660)
Sir,
As a new member of K.A.S. not able to attend its local functions, I would like to request help from anyone on my research. I have undertaken a definitive study of the Northwood-Norton families (1180-1660) and the manors at one time in their possession. They are: Great Norwood (Bobbing), Norwood (Eastchurch), Norwood (Wychling), Wormsell, Grandison (Sutton-at-Hone), Yokes Court (Frenstead), Thurnham Ct., Bengebury, Harrietsham (Stede Hill), Little Hoo (Crayford), Stockbury, Leveland, Bredhurst, Littlebrook (near Stone), Shorne, Stone Castle, Frogenhall & Luddenham (Milton), Selgrave (Ospring), Fresingham (Rolvenden), Whitfield (nr Dover).
I was not aware of the Springfield Library (Newsletter No.5) on my visit to Kent last year, but before coming again I would like to know about any additional collections or persons that have available material about these properties. I would be most grateful to hear from anyone who has done or is doing study in these areas. I will be happy to exchange information on what I have collected.
Yours sincerely,
James G. Dempsey.
Bird Bones
Sir,
I am writing to offer my services to directors carrying out excavations throughout Kent, to undertake studies (identification reports) on any bird bones found during such excavations. I may be contacted at the address below.
Yours sincerely,
Miss E.P. Allison,
The Environmental Archaeology Unit,
University of York.
Tannery Sites
Sir, I am at present researching into the location of leather working sites in Kent. I would be most grateful to hear from members of place name evidence for old tannery sites in their area. For example, a 'Tanners House', a Tannery Lane or a Tanyard Farm can all indicate possible starting points for research.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Pat Winzar.
The Editor welcomes all letters and would particularly like to receive more, especially on subjects such as requests for research information, books and related topics. Illustrations, if relevant, are always helpful and can assist readers in identifying objects, understanding points and following arguments.
Bookshelf
Kentish Visitations of Archbishop William Warham and his Deputies, 1511-1512
Edited by K.L. Wood-Legh 216 x 138 mm. Pp. xxvi + 344, frontispiece, cased, with dust-jacket. Volume xxiv of the Records series.
Publication: September 1984.
Price: £20.00 (+ £2 p+p). Until 31st December, £17.50 (+ £2 p+p).
K.A.S. members: £12.00 (+ £2 p+p).
New Maidstone Gaol Order Book, 1805-1823.
Edited by C. Chalklin.
216 x 138 mm. Pp (approx.) 200, 6 illustrations, cased, with dust-jacket. Volume xxiii of the Records series.
Publication: September/October 1984.
Price: £10.00 (+ £2 p+p).
K.A.S. members: £5.00 (+ £2 p+p).
Faversham Heritage Centre Guide
210 x 297mm. Limp covers, 50p.
77p including post and packing from the Centre.
The new Guide has an attractive new cover designed by founder member Jack Salmon. Featured in a frame formed by the Fleur de Lis's Tudor doorway, through which James II probably once walked, are such popular exhibits as the old box mangle, the 'Douglas' sailing barge model, and Henry Hatch's 16th-century chest.
Hoath and Herne
150 x 230mm. 164pp, illustrations & map. Limp covers, £4.50.£5 by post from Miss K.H. McIntosh.
A collection of at least 36 articles on the subject of the two villages and their locality.
University of Kent at Canterbury, Archaeology Courses 1984-85
Tutorial Classes (day and evening)
Ashford: The Later Roman Empire and Early Medieval Europe - T. Blagg and V. Webb. Wednesdays 7pm from 3rd Oct., 20 sessions at Adult Education Centre Associate House, Queens Road
Canterbury: Archaeology of the Roman Empire - T. Blagg. Wednesdays 10 am from 10 Oct., 10 sessions at Rutherford College, The University
Dover: Rescue Archaeology in Dover and Kent - B. Philp. Mondays 7pm from 8 Oct., 20 sessions at The Painted House Museum, Market Square
Folkestone: World Archaeology - V. Webb. Tuesdays 10 am from 25 Sept., 20 sessions at Adult Education Centre, Earlscliffe, Shorncliffe Road
Gillingham: The Archaeology of the Mediterranean Region - V. Webb. Mondays 7pm from 24 Sept., 20 sessions at the Adult Education Centre Green St
Margate: Hilderstone Archaeology Workshop - L. Jay. Wednesdays 7.30pm from 3 Oct., 20 sessions at the Adult Education Centre, Cecil Square
Rochester: Introduction to Archaeology - T. Blagg. Thursdays 7.30pm from 4 Oct, 10 sessions at Medway Adult Education Centre, Eastgate
Tonbridge: Towns and Cities of the Roman Empire - T. Blagg. Mondays 7.30pm from 24 Sept, 10 sessions at the Adult Education Centre, Avebury Avenue
Day Schools
Saturday 17th Nov - Rome at the Time of Augustus
Saturday 13th April - Industrial Archaeology - Natural Energy (3rd Conference of SERIAC)
Saturday 1st June - Maritime Archaeology: post-excavation work
all at the University of Kent at Canterbury
Saturday 27th Oct - Anthropology for Archaeologists, at the Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington
Weekend Courses
30th Nov - 2nd Dec - Greek Cities of the Mediterranean, at Allington Castle, Maidstone
29th - 31st March - The Archaeology of Romney Marsh, at the University of Kent at Canterbury
5th - 7th July - Archaeology for the Blind, at the University of Kent at Canterbury.
Evening Classes
Crayford The History of East Kent: Iron Age to the 19th century - Joy Saynor. Fridays 7.45 pm from 28th Sept., 20 sessions at the Crayford Manor House, May Place East.
Gravesend The Romans in Kent - Deborah French Tuesdays 7.30 pm from 25th Sept, 20 sessions at Victoria Centre, Darnley Rd
Maidstone The History of East Kent: Iron Age to the 19th century - Joy Saynor. Mondays 9.30 am from 24th Sept., 20 sessions at Adult Education Centre St. Faiths St.
Sidcup The History of East Kent: Iron Age to the 19th century - Joy Saynor. Thursdays 1.30 pm from 27th Sept., 22 sessions at Arts Centre, Garsington Road.
Day Meetings
Saturday 29th Sept. - K.A.S. Archaeology at Work, all day at Faversham, admission by free ticket, see page 5.
Saturday 6th Oct. - K.A.S. Building Recorders' Conference at The Church Barn, Charing, 2.30 pm. Admission free. All interested in old buildings welcome. Illustrated talks and discussion.
Saturday 20th Oct - Romney Marsh Workshop, all day at Tenterden, admission by ticket £1. See front page for details.
The Museum of Kent Life: Preview Opening 1984
The Museum of Kent Rural Life is an exciting new project being set up on 27 acres of land in Cobtree Manor Park, just north of Maidstone. The museum is a joint venture of Maidstone Borough Council and Kent County Council and will eventually contain buildings for the internal display of agricultural implements, rural crafts and industries, together with outside plantings of crops important to Kent's agricultural history.
The first phase of the museum, the renovation of the oast house and dairy courtyard already on site, has now been completed. Much of the work has been done using old building methods including split laths and peg tiling. Areas will be left open for visitors to view so that they will be able to see, for example, the construction of the roof of an oast kiln. Displays and collections for the museum are gradually being built up and some of these will be housed in the completed building.
The museum is a long-term project and over the next few years more buildings will be moved to the site, the collections built up and outside planting started. It is hoped that the public will watch the gradual progress of the museum and become actively involved with it from an early stage. This is the main reason behind the "preview opening" of the museum this year.
The museum will be open from the Bank Holiday weekend, the 25th August, until mid-October. Admission will be 50p for adults and 25p for children and reduced admissions.
Published by the Kent Archaeological Society, St. Faith's Street, Maidstone, Kent
Produced and printed for the K.A.S. by Elan Litho Limited, 5-25 Scrutton Street, London, E.C.2