New Books
A Study in Woodland Archaeology: Cudham, North Downs by Sue Harrington. Archaeopress, BAR British Series 368. 1 84171 601 4. £25.00
An examination of the woodland banking in the parish of Cudham, to establish the phases of expansion and contraction of the woodlands in the Medieval period. This was with particular regard to the anomaly evident between two references; from the Domesday Book suggesting extensive ploughlands and from a post-Medieval one suggesting extensive woodlands. Investigation included sampling survey of the banking, place-name evidence and documentary sources.
Cranbrook’s Turnpike Roads 1759 – 1878 by Alan Sanders. Cranbrook and District Local History Society. £5.00
The detailed story of the six roads that led to Cranbrook and the system intended to raise money for their maintenance and improvement. Interesting information on toll houses and gate-keepers is given; also the fate of those who tried to avoid payment ‘by passing through the fields’.
Available from Cranbrook Museum, Carriers Road, Cranbrook TN17 3JX.
Iwade – Occupation of a North Kent Village from the Mesolithic to the Medieval Period by Barry Bishop and Mark Bagwell. Pre-Construct Archaeology. Monograph 3. £14.95
Following excavation at this entry point to the Isle of Sheppey, this report charts periods of intense activity and times of neglect. “The authors are able to portray Iwade as a microcosm of wider social changes… integrating the site into a wider regional context” David Yates, Dept of Archaeology, University of Reading.
Available from PCA, Unit 54 Brockley Cross Business Centre, 96 Endwell Road, London SE4 2PD tel: 0207 7323925 email: info@pre-construct.com.
St Mary of Charity, Faversham – Built to Inspire.
A series of heritage booklets and leaflets about the church and churchyard, the first instalment of a project designed to promote wider enjoyment of the building and its treasures. Leaflets include Ecology, The Windows, The Clocks (each £1), The Historic Churchyard, History & Monuments, The Bells (each £1.50), The Organs, The Brasses, and The Misericords (each £3). A whole set costs £12.00. All prices include p&p.
Available from The Vicarage, Newton Road, Faversham ME13 8DY.