Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

During an archaeological watching brief undertaken in 1991-1992 at the site of a post medieval grave yard and possible earlier post medieval plauge pits, in association with the A20 road and sewer scheme a smashed but virtually complete and largely legible, portland stone head-stone was uncovered. (location accurate to the nearest 10m based on available information)

Monument Types

• TOMBSTONE (Post Medieval - 1796 AD? to 1796 AD?)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

This project consisted of a major archaeological watching brief and excavation programme, conducted across an extensive part of the maritime and water-front areas of this important historic town, ahead of major road construction and sewer trenching, between the summer of 1991 and the spring of 1993. There were 21 areas of archaeological investigation: the seventh was 'The Graves' on the lower slopes of Western Heights, above Meggar Instruments works. This is the traditional site of 17th century plague pits. A measured survey of the area ahead of sewer trenching was undertaken and a machine cut test-trench was dug. The features uncovered include 19th century brick vaults, fences and paths. The finds recovered include a 18th-19th century grave-stone.

On the slopes of the Western Heights, above the Pier District, lies a small area of ground adjacent to the old road to Folkestone, known as 'The Graves'. This isolated spot is the traditional site of Dover's seventeenth century plague cemetery, although documentary evidence suggests that it continued to be used for burials until the nineteenth century. During the winter of 1991/92 a detailed survey of the area, now heavily wooded, was undertaken ahead of the cutting of a trench for a new branch sewer across the site. On the south western side of the surveyed area, below two brick lined graves, a smashed but virtually complete and largely legible, portland stone head-stone was uncovered. The inscription on the stone was: - In Memory of Mr. Michael Becker of Dover who died at Guilton in the Parish of Ash on the 28th of February 1796 aged 39 years Also of two sons of (the?) above Mr. Michael Becker and Jane his wife who died in their infancy Left surviving his wife and five children Vis. Sarah, Jane, Michael?, Mary and Har___? Also of Mr. Peter B__ker who died 2(8)th August 1842 Aged 78 Years. The headstone is now in Dover Museum. (1-2)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2001, Dover Sewers/A20 Project 1991–3, Assessment Report and Updated Project Design (Unpublished document). SKE31815.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1992, 'The Graves' Level III Archive Report (Unpublished document). SKE17988.

Sources and further reading

Related records