Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

In 1861 four gold armlets, one with cupped terminals, were reported to have been found in a box in the river at Aylesford. The box was reportedly thrown back into the river. The gold bracelets were bought by the late Edward Pretty, Esq. FSA and then purchased by the Kent Archaeological Society. They are kept at Maidstone Museum.

See also TQ 75 NW 38

Monument Types

• FINDSPOT (Bronze Age - 2350 BC to 701 BC)

Associated Finds

• TORC (Bronze Age - 2350 BC to 701 BC)

Full description

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[TQ 72545884] Gold Armillae found A.D. 1861 [NAT] (1) In the early autumn of 1861 the author was offered "three golden armillae or amlets" and "a trumpet-shaped ornament probably a fibula" and secured them for the Kent Arch. Soc. They were said to have been found in the Medway below Aylesford in a box which was thrown back into the river. "For the accuracy of this part of the story I cannot vouch". (2) Refs. Auth. 2 described as found in 1861. Three, probably four torques. (3) "Four armlets, one having cupped ends, are stated to have been in a box found in the Medway below Aylesford in 1861" Author refers to the possibility that they were lost in crossing the river but also refers to an early votive deposit of similar objects. [TQ 75 NW 38] (4) In store at Maidstone Museum are four gold bracelets from the Medway at Aylesford. (No accession number). (5) Four gold ornaments found in a box discovered in the Medway, below Aylesford in 1861. They were obtained by the late Edward Pretty, Esq., FSA. and subsequently purchased by the Society. [Each object described in detail] (6) Four armlets, one with cupped terminals, are said to have been in a box found in the River Medway. (7)

<1> OS 6" 1938-48 (OS Card Reference). SKE48355.

<2> Arch Cant 5 1862-3 41 illustrated (E Pretty) (OS Card Reference). SKE35247.

<3> VCH Kent 1 1908 325 334 (OS Card Reference). SKE50835.

<4> Archaeology of Kent 1930 112 (Jessup) (OS Card Reference). SKE37340.

<6> Arch Cant 19 1892 5 (General Index) (OS Card Reference). SKE34790.

<7> South East England 1970 136 (R Jessup) (OS Card Reference). SKE49518.

<8> Field report for monument TQ 75 NW 27 - February, 1964 (Bibliographic reference). SKE3883.

Sources and further reading