Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Excavations were carried out in 1977-1978 close to the main gate of the Bendictine Priory and just behind the Norman staircase. The Roman levels were insubstantial and only an incomplete sequence was examined. A Roman courtyard flanked by beamslots dating from the early 2nd century was found. This was sealed by demolition debris of the 4th century. The most important structural remains that were found date from the mid 12th century and comprised the east wall of the vaulted undercroft of the 'Aula Nova' and the monastic drain which led from the necessarium on the south side of the Green Court to the northern city ditch. Underlying the undercroft were found the remains of late Saxon and early Norman houses and pits. Parellel to the drain on its east side was a large flint wall which is thought to be the early Priory boundary wall. The Aula Nova was used as part of King's School from 1573 and was later partly demolished in 1859 leaving only the vaulted undercroft.

Monument Types

• HOUSE (HOUSE, Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon to Post Medieval - 1000 AD to 1573 AD)
• CESS PIT (HOUSE, Medieval to Post Medieval - 1100 AD to 1573 AD)
• TENEMENT (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1100 AD to 1573 AD)

Full description

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(TR 15145812). (1) Excavations took place close to the main gate of the Benedictine Priory and just behind the unique Norman staircase. Remains of early Norman and late Saxon houses and pits were found underlying the mid 12th century vaulted undercroft of the Almonry Hall. (2)

<1> Arch Cant 100 1984 plan facing 178 (T Tatton-Brown) (OS Card Reference). SKE34548.

<2> Arch Cant 93 1977 217 (T Tatton-Brown) (OS Card Reference). SKE36132.

Sources and further reading

Related records