Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Conference

The third history and archaeology conference organized jointly by KAS and Canterbury Christ Church University College was held on Saturday, 26th April 2003. This conference focused on Church and Monastery in Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Society.

The morning topics spanned the geology of building materials, the interaction of Rochester Cathedral and its precincts, monastic life and an overview of recent archaeological work on ecclesiastical sites in Kent and possibilities for the future. The afternoon session covered Medieval building methods and materials, examples of late Saxon and early Norman churches in East Kent and a comparison of the ecclesiastical capitals of Canterbury and Rouen between the ninth and eleventh centuries. The day also included a short report from the chairman of the KAS Churches Committee and an overview of the new KAS website.

The lectures were illustrated by slides which helped to explain the complexities of organization and construction of many of the magnificent buildings and their associated communities. This conference, as part of an ongoing series, achieved its aim of giving an insight into aspects of church studies not normally described or discussed.

The wide theme for the day attracted a capacity audience, even late arrivals being squeezed in to fill the well-appointed lecture theatre. The venue also provided an opportunity for archaeologists and historians from around the County and beyond to get together and I am pleased to report that several attendees have taken the decision to become members of KAS.

As usual the conference was ably organized by Alan Ward and Professor Sean Greenwood. All attending were given a useful handout containing details of the lecturers and their subjects plus a bibliography.

The 2004 conference will take place on Saturday 1st May, so keep a vigilant eye out for full details which will appear in the Newsletter nearer the time.

Shiela Brownfield