The K.A.S. in the 1920's
Our member, Mr. Michael Ocock, discovered the following interesting holes on a pamphlet amongst a miscellaneous collection of KAS papers. There is no publication date on the pamphlet but he believes it must have appeared in print around 1927 or 1928. He would be interested to know if anyone remembers the 'Proposed Establishment of an Excavation Branch' and, if it was ever formed, what became of it? He points out that it was not necessary to be a KAS member in order to be a member of the Branch.
Kent Archaeological Society, Proposed Establishment of an Excavation Branch
The work of the Kent Archaeological Society in the past has been considerably hampered by lack of funds available for carrying out excavations on historic sites within the County. Now that this work ranks as of prime importance in archaeological investigation it is incumbent upon the members to do something to remove the reproach, which has, admittedly with some justice, been cast upon the Society as a whole. Whenever possible, grants have been made in the past for excavation work but generally these have been small owing to limited resources of infrequent occurrence, and it is not flattering to County pride to know that the Society of Antiquaries, the Royal Archaeological Institute, and the British Archaeological Association have quite recently financed almost entirely various archaeological excavations in Kent. Even local societies such as the Dartford Antiquarian Society, the Woolwich Antiquarian Society, and those of Greenwich and Beckenham have done more during the past twenty years - with their limited membership and small subscriptions, than the Parent Society.
To remedy this state of affairs a proposal was made in 1920 to establish an "Excavation Branch" and the scheme was approved by the Council. It was found, however, that the time was not convenient; the recent war and its after effects were too much in the minds of county folk, and the scheme was postponed. Now, however, the time seems opportune and the various local secretaries and others in touch with feeling in the county report that such a branch might now be established with considerable success. What is required is briefly: (a) A capital fund, the interest from which is to be devoted to excavation work. (b) An annual income from subscriptions to supplement (a). With this end in view members are asked to subscribe such sums as they feel able to contribute to one or the other, or both of these. Donations may, of course, be of any amount and will be invested and subscriptions are invited of ten shillings yearly. Already, by private efforts of a few members, a capital fund of £25 has been formed and about thirty persons have indicated their willingness to become annual subscribers. These totals it is hoped may be increased to £500 and 200 subscribers at least. With an income of not less than £100 a year a great deal of useful work may be carried out and the pages of Archaeologia Cantiana considerably supplemented with valuable material. Interest in this scheme has been shown in archaeological circles generally and the Branch will have the benefit of the expert advice of Dr. R. E. M. Wheeler, Mr. J. P. Bushe Fox, Mr. A. W. Clapham and Alex Keller whose work at Windmill Hill near Avebury is of enormous importance. These gentlemen will act as an Advisory Committee on any point that may be submitted to them and their names are a guarantee that any excavation carried out will be done in a proper scientific manner. A Committee of members of the Branch will be elected.
Meanwhile the Officers and Committee (pro tem) are: President: Sir Martin Conway, Treasurer: C. Stokes, Committee: V. B. Crowther Beynon, H. Elgar, Dr. Hardman, R. Jessup, Rev. R. U. Potts, W. Whiting. Secretary: F. C. Elliston Erwood.
The object and possibilities of the Branch will be further explained at the ACM of the KAS at Maidstone, but meanwhile those interested are asked to send their names and their donations or subscriptions to the Hon. Sec. of the Excavation Branch as soon as possible. Members of this Branch are not obliged to be members of the KAS.
It is hoped to make a first excavation in the autumn. The place and the extent of the dig will naturally depend on the response to this appeal but the opinion expressed at the Autumn Meeting, 1927, at Kit's Coty House, will be borne in mind and an earnest attempt to investigate these interesting remains is one of the first objects of the Branch. The Hon. Secretary will be pleased to give any further information and will also appreciate any correspondence dealing with sites exposed through building operations or wood clearance. He will likewise welcome help in compiling a list of those able and willing to supervise excavation in various parts of the county - particularly names of specialists in various branches of archaeology. As it is not proposed to confine excavations to one type of site, prehistoric and medieval remains, both domestic and ecclesiastical, will alike find a place in the programme, the extent of which is only limited by financial response.
For the Council of the Kent Archaeological Society, George C. Druce, General Secretary.'