Books
PRESTON HALL, AYLESFORD
by James H. Sephton
The foundation of the Culpepper family at Aylesford is described, with a history of the Hall, the occupying families, and the development of the hospital. This became a cradle for the treatment and training of tuberculous ex-Service men. The subsequent effect of The Royal British Legion and the Industries, as a training and rehabilitation center for disabled ex-Service men, is discussed. The change in function of the Hall from a hospital to the headquarters of the West Kent Health Authority is elaborated. Such an in-depth local study would be very popular.
Book size is A5. The number of pages is 80. The number of black and white plates is 51, with 4 line drawings.
ISBN O 9526629 0 6
It is published privately by Mr. James H. Sephton.
The Archaeology of Canterbury: New Series Canterbury Cathedral Nave: Archaeology, History, and Architecture
by Kevin Blockley, Margaret Sparks, and Tim Tatton-Brown
In the spring of 1993, the relaying of the nave floor of Canterbury Cathedral allowed for an excavation by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust, which revealed the foundations of the Anglo-Saxon churches. A few fragments remain of a seventh-century Kentish church like those formerly at St Augustine's Abbey and Reculver. This was extended in the ninth century to provide a church with a long nave and aisles. The design of its east end was not established by excavation, as this lies under the existing crypt, but it is known to have been apsidal. To this church was added a large western apse with hexagonal stair towers in the early eleventh century. Thus the Anglo-Saxon cathedral at its fullest extent has been described as 'one of the major early medieval churches of northern Europe'.
The excavation report by Kevin Blockley is published with figures, photographs, and plans, plus reconstruction drawings by Ivan Lapper, of the Anglo-Saxon cathedral and that of Lanfranc, finished in 1077, the foundation of which was also discovered. There are the normal specialist short reports. In addition, there are two essays on the nave. Tim Tatton-Brown writes about the rebuilding of the western transepts and crossing tower. His essay is based on many years' study of the architecture and documents. Margaret Sparks' essay is in two parts - the liturgical use of the nave 1077- 1540 and the fittings, repair, and use of the nave 1541- 1993. Evidence has been assembled from chronicles, inventories, antiquarians' descriptions, Dean and Chapter documents, prints, and drawings.
This important monograph is published jointly by Canterbury Archaeological Trust and the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral and will be available shortly after 1st October from booksellers or directly from Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 92A Broad Street, Canterbury, CTl 2LU. Price: £25.00 (+£4.00 p&p).