KAS Historic Defences Committee: the first year
Kent’s strategic position has bestowed upon it a rich history of military defence from pre-Roman periods to the Cold War as well as a legacy of surviving sites of fascinating variety. It is this which stimulated the formation of the Society’s Historic Defences Committee which met for the first time in January 2014. The Committee hopes to foster growth of an existing interest in this subject both within the Society and more widely, as well as to encourage participation in defence-heritage projects, including the recording of sites. Wherever possible it will help recognition of the need to both to protect our defence heritage.
Although most activity is currently focused on the defences of the modern era, the hope is to embrace all periods which, hopefully, will be reflected in future publications. Developing positive partnerships will be explored by the Committee. This has already resulted in successful and highly attended field trips to historic defences in the Hoo Peninsula and, in cooperation with Maidstone Museum, to the Great War home defences in Sheppey and Swale. At least one more such event is planned for 2015. Any KAS member interested in joining the Committee or finding out more should contact Vice Chairman, Sheena Owen at sheenaowen@btinternet.com. An inaugural Newsletter is planned for the summer of 2015.
During the present centenary the Great War is especially topical and the Committee has had encouraging discussions with possible partners about holding an educational public conference on military and civil defence in Kent and the South East, probably in 2016. Meanwhile, several members have contributed to a paper on Kent’s defences during the Great War, containing the latest research on this subject. This has been submitted for Archaeologia Cantiana, building on the work of the Defence of Swale Project (described in 40-47 of the KAS Newsletter, 100, winter 2014). There is scope for further ground-breaking research and investigation in the years ahead.
Promulgating hitherto unpublished research on Kent’s defences is an idea also being considered by the Committee and two earlier investigated sites in north and east Kent have been suggested for possible publication. Discussions are in progress.
Over 25 requests for information have been answered and two members are assisting with research and advice concerning British historic defences abroad.
Conservation of sites is likely to be a continuing issue. One current concern is the Tudor Gravesend Blockhouse (built 1539/40) on view in Gravesend’s heritage riverside and which has suffered from vandalism and decay. Although published, this site may not have reached the limits of historical investigation and discovery.
The Committee have a blog (https://kenthistoricdefences.wordpress.com/) and this lists opportunities for participation in projects run by various organisations, including the Defence of Swale Project managed by Kent County Council. Further opportunities may evolve from proposals for study of another part of the county should these be taken forward.
After having been in existence for a short time the Committee is still finding its way but progress is being made.
Contact point for the Committee is Victor Smith, 65 Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9BA (01474 323415 and victor.defon1@gmail.com).