Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Former chalk quarry within a triangular parcel of land to the north of London Road and west of the former Swanscombe Cement Works. This quarry was associated with the Whiting Works to the east and was opened in the earlier 20th century, when presumably its sister quarry to the north was worked out. It in turn was dis-used by the 1930s.

The site has been developed and is presently occupied by an industrial complex (La Farge). Although access was limited, a brick-built arched tunnel for a former tramway survives running below London Road and linking this quarry with another later chalk quarry to the south of the road. The entrance has been walled up although a central inspection door enables entry into the tunnel.

Location accurate to 2m based on available information

Monument Types

• QUARRY (Abandoned ?, Post Medieval to Modern - 1900 AD? to 1939 AD? (at some time))
• TRAMWAY TUNNEL (Abandoned 1930's?, Post Medieval - 1900 AD? to 1900 AD (post))

Full description

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Former chalk quarry within a triangular parcel of land to the north of London Road and west of the former Swanscombe Cement Works. This quarry was associated with the Whiting Works to the east and was opened in the earlier 20th century, when presumably its sister quarry to the north was worked out. It in turn was dis-used by the 1930s. The 1908 OS map depicts the entire site as ‘chalk pit’ with abundant hachures indicating large parts of the site have been reduced by quarrying activity leaving exposed faces along the southern and western site boundaries. The Whiting Works are now shown in the eastern extent of the site and suggest that the industrial activity was undergoing considerable expansion at this time. (1-2) The site has been developed and is presently occupied by an industrial complex (La Farge). Although access was limited, a brick-built arched tunnel for a former tramway survives running below London Road and linking this quarry with another later chalk quarry to the south of the road. The entrance has been walled up although a central inspection door enables entry into the tunnel. Quarry site mainly comprised of tramways and workings supplying the works to the east. No buildings and low technological potential.(3) A walkover survey in 2005 identified a deep narrow linear cutting running away from the quarry. This is linked to a quarry on the eastern side of the road. A date stone above the head of the arch reads "1908" and presumably fices a date of construction. (4)

Location accurate to 2m based on available information

<1> Archaeology South-East, 2019, Land to the north of London Road, Swanscombe, Kent, Historic Building Recording, Historic England Level 2 (Unpublished document). SKE53509.

<2> CgMs, 2019, Historic building record, Land at London Road, Swanscombe, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE53085.

<3> Essex County Council, 2003, Aggregates Levy Survey Industrial Sites, KN832 (Unpublished document). SKE12009.

<4> Archaeology South-East, 2005, An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment and Walkover Survey of Land adjacent to London Road and Craylands Lane (Little Swanscombe), Swanscombe, Kent (March 2005) (Unpublished document). SKE31035.

Sources and further reading

Related records