What’s On
Thursday 22 May at 1.45 for 2pm.
Provenders is a 14th century, Grade 2 manor house containing 29 rooms. It is currently owned by Princess Olga, a descendant of the Russian royal family. Situated near Faversham, the black and white half-timbered exterior is said to be greatly in need of care and attention - in fact 'decayed and dilapidated' are words associated with its description. Ptolemy Dean, the architect involved in the BBC Restoration Programme, has been involved in Project Provenders and has already renovated one wing of the house. KAS members will, however, be enchanted with the opportunity to see many samples of domestic life and architecture before they too are restored. Tour is £10 & tea (at a local pub) is £4. A booking form is included in this Newsletter.
Religious Houses in Medieval Canterbury
Saturday 21 June
This is a joint Study Day with Canterbury Christ Church University. The day starts in the Ramsey Lecture Theatre at Canterbury Christ Church University with registration from 9.30a.m. followed by three lectures, starting at 10a.m. At 2p.m. there will be an opportunity to visit ONE of four surviving religious sites in Canterbury. There will be three lectures in the morning:
- Introduction to Religious Houses, by Dr Louise Wilkinson
- The Whitefriars, by Alison Hicks
- St Gregory's Priory, by Dr Sheila Sweetinburgh
The guided afternoon visits (please place in order of preference on the booking form):
- Greyfriars (Meriel Connor)
- St John's Hospital (Dr Sheila Sweetinburgh)
- Christ Church Cathedral Priory, Canterbury (Dr Margaret Sparks)
- St Augustine's Abbey (Dr Paul Bennett)
The cost of the day is £12, including coffee/tea/soft drink in the morning and all entrances but NOT lunch. A booking form is included in this Newsletter. Your ticket will include the programme, a map and access information.
Monday 30 June
A visit is arranged to All Saints, Ulcombe and Ss Peter and Paul, East Sutton. We meet at Ulcombe Church at 6.45pm and will be at East Sutton at about 8pm. Tour £2. Tea and biscuits £1 extra. A booking form is included in this Newsletter.
Visit to Boxley Abbey and Barn
Saturday 19 July
The visit gives the opportunity to see the remains of this very important Kentish Abbey, and the great 13th Century tithe barn that can be glimpsed from the M20. The Abbey once held the Miraculous Rood and the miracle-working image of the infant St. Rumwold. The tour will start at 2 pm. Cost: £3.00. A booking form is included in this Newsletter. More details from Joy Saynor on 01959 522717; email: saynor@shorehamkent.wanadoo.co.uk. Please note that it has been necessary to change the date from that given in the last issue of the Newsletter.
A visit to Luddesdown Court is planned for early Spring 2009 – further details in future Newsletters.
Council for Kentish Archaeology Conference ‘Rescue Archaeology’
Saturday 19 April from 2 – 5.15pm
Sevenoaks Community Centre
- Verulamium: Roman City Rosalind Niblett
- Londinium: Roman Forum Brian Philp
- Stonehenge: an uncertain future? Kate Fielden
- Durrington Walls: a Neolithic Spectacular Prof Mike Parker-Pearson
Tickets £4. Tel: 020 8777 787 or email davru58-arch@yahoo.co.uk.
Western Heights Open Weekend
Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June
Western Heights Preservation Society will be welcoming visitors once more to the annual Western Heights open weekend in Dover. These are a series of forts linked by miles of ditches on the western hilltop above Dover. The Drop Redoubt, a large and impressive fortress, is opened each year by the Society, who work towards opening up yet more of the 19th century fortification each time. Much of the site remains closed off to the public, but as part of the open weekend some of the more spectacular parts of the fortifications are opened up to allow rare access. The Grand Shaft, an impressive 19th century triple staircase, will be free of charge, with a small charge being made for entry to the Drop Redoubt. Physical access to the fort is limited and sadly is not possible by wheelchair users or people with pushchairs. More information can be found at www.dover-western-heights.org, or by writing to The WHPS, PO Box 366, DEAL, Kent CT14 9XY, or by calling Dover Museum on 01304 201066.
NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY WEEK
12 – 20 July
For details of all NAW events around the country go to: www.britarch.ac.uk
Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington
Sunday 20 July
Meet Secundus and Agrippina
- The Life of a Soldier’ at 10.30am & 2.30pm
- ‘Home Life in the Villa’ at 11.30am & 3.30pm
For the whole family. Entry £2/£1, YAC members free.