First One Day Conference

The first of two conferences celebrating developments in the last 50 years, in the knowledge of the history and archaeology of Kent, was held at the Medway Campus of the University of Kent in April, and we are most grateful to Dr. Anthony Ward and Dr. Steve Willis for making the event possible.

A group of about 70 members was treated to no fewer than eight presentations by some of our most distinguished historians and archaeologists.

So far as our ancient history was concerned, Steve Willis gave a masterly review of the current state of our knowledge of Roman Kent. In the county, Brian Philp gave a most interesting account of his work on the Classis Britannica fort and the Painted House in Dover. He preceded this account with some thought-provoking comments on the past work played by professional archaeological units from outside the county, bemoaning their lack of local knowledge of our county’s heritage.

Jon Iveson, also talking about Dover, leaped into the 19th century with a detailed review of the Napoleonic defenses (how many of us realized that these defenses included the Western Heights). Helen Glass covered the largest area and single issue in her paper which her account of work along the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Then there were most interesting contributions on more recent historical periods from Andrew Hann, Stephen Hipkin and Michael Zell. Finally, our own John G. described the results of his own researches on drama in the county in the medieval times.

The second Conference, on September 15th, is already full, so it will be a day not to be missed. Book up soon!