Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Thirteen shallow graves with traces of coffins orientated E-W were found within the earthwork S of the Church of St Mary de Castro. Sherds of late Saxon pottery were also found. The discoveries were made during excavations carried out in 1962 by the Ministry of Works under the direction of Mr Martin Biddle. (location accurate to the nearest 10m based on available information)

The site lies on the south face of the sea cliff, from the top of the ridge over looking the sea.

Monument Types

• BURIAL (BURIAL, Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
• COFFIN (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
• INHUMATION CEMETERY (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 410 AD? to 1065 AD?)

Associated Finds

• TILE (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)

Full description

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Thirteen shallow graves with traces of coffins orientated E-W were found within the earthwork S of the Church of St Mary de Castro. Sherds of late Saxon pottery were also found. The discoveries were made during excavations carried out in 1962 by the Ministry of Works under the direction of Mr Martin Biddle. (1-2) lthough the church and cemetery were almost certainly located within a Saxon settlement, its precise status is unclear. Documentary sources suggest that it was probably a burh or fortified town, which utilised the defences of the earlier Iron Age hillfort (TR 34 SW 99). Whether it was a castle, or merely a burh, immedieatley following the Norman Conquest it is known that Duke William, a Norman, spent eight days adding to the defences. Excavation has produced evidence of a bank and ditch cutting through the Saxon cemetery, dating to the mid 11th century, which probably dates from this phase of Norman occupation. Scheduled. (3)

The excavations located an extensive Late Saxon cemetery associated with the church. The number of burials including women and children indicate a longer occupation of the site than that shown by the church. It is possible this was the site of a late Saxon defensive work or burgh, with its church, set within the Iron Age defences, giving protection during a period of upheaval during the the early 11th century. Another interpretation is that the church was already in existance, served by canons, but formed a focus for a temporary settlement, re-using the Iron Age defences, for protection during a period of upheaval. (4) additional reference (5)

<1> E. H. Bayly, 1962, KAS Annual Report 1962: Activities around Dover, Arch Cant 77 1962 xlviii (EH Bayly) (Article in serial). SKE7873.

<2> M. Biddle, 1964, Medieval Archaeology: Medieval Britain in 1962 and 1963; Kent: Dover (Article in serial). SKE52161.

<3> Arch Cant 77 1962 27-47 plans illus (SE Rigold) (OS Card Reference). SKE35621.

<4> Johnathan Coad, 1995, English Heritage Book of Dover Castle and the Defences of Dover (Monograph). SKE52106.

<5> Andrew Richardson, 2000, Gazetteer of Anglo-Saxon Cemeteries and Burial-Sites in Kent (Unpublished document). SKE29253.

Sources and further reading

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