Letters to the Editor, Autumn 2002
Dear Editor
FYLFOT-CROSSES
I have been studying aspects of the ecclesiastical symbolism as found in the Roman catacombs and later in Western Europe, and I am hoping that you may be able to help me with one specific enquiry. My current research is focussed on the Fylfot-Crosses found in the church of Great Canfield, near Great Dunmow in Essex. According to historians five of them were carved into the porch stonework in the early part of the 12th century, as illustrated in the diagram above.
This symbol was used in Denmark in a variety of ways both ecclesiastical and secular, and according to one authority it appeared on a baptismal font in one of their churches, but sadly he gave no specific details. In conversation some time ago I was told that there was a similar example to be found in Kent, again without any specific location mentioned. I wondered if any of your members might know of its occurrence or know someone who would be able to confirm the matter.
The Revd Stephen Taylor
Dear Editor
As always, I am very much enjoying the variety of reports in the new volume of Archaeologia Cantiana.
Andrew Pearson’s analysis of the fabric of the Saxon Shore forts makes a welcome contribution to our understanding of their construction, though I cannot understand why he states the Isle of Sheppey to be the nearest source of septaria/cementstone to Reculver and Richborough. The six miles of London clay coastline from Bishopstone, through Herne Bay, Studd Hill, Swalecliffe and Tankerton, most of it subject to rapid erosion, yielded a plentiful supply of septaria nodules until the cliffs were graded and the sea walls built. Even allowing for a larger Sheppey 2000 years ago, this southern shore of the estuary was right on Reculver’s doorstep and easily accessible by sea.
Much appreciated was the tribute to our Whitstable historian, the late Wallace Harvey. May I set the record straight on just a couple of points? Mention was made of his work as a Reader in the Canterbury Diocese; he was admitted to that office relatively late in his life (in June 1965, when Michael Ramsey was Archbishop), though he had already served for many years as a local preacher in the Methodist Church. Recognition was also given to his sterling work on the former Whitstable Urban District Council, but I should point out that he was Council Chairman only during the 1950’s period referred to. He was no longer on the Council in the 1971-74 period, when Councillors Cicely Grundon, Hubert Skinner and Mick O’Callaghan each served a year as Chairman.
Michael Whitley
Dear Editor
TWO ENTIRE KENTISH VILLAGES THREATENED WITH ANNIHILATION
All those who care about our county’s history should be concerned about the intention to annihilate two whole villages if the plan goes ahead to establish Britain’s biggest airport (twice the capacity of Heathrow) on the Hoo peninsula.
All Hallows and St Mary’s Hoo would be wiped off the map, along with their mediaeval churches and all their historic buildings. Severe damage would also be suffered by 6 neighbouring parishes (Cliffe, Cooling, Grain, High Halstow, Hoo and Stoke) All the buildings concerned - those to be destroyed and those which would be blighted, including Cooling Castle - are listed in the Kent Historic Buildings Index for Medway compiled by the late Kenneth Gravett, copies of which are available from me price £3 including postage together with guidance notes for those who wish to comment on the plan.
Michael H. Peters
Kent Historic Buildings Committee
c/o CPRE Kent
Coldharbour Farm,
Amage Road, Wye,
Ashford
Kent
TN25 5DB