Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Site of a detached Roman bath house discovered in excavations between 1948-1949 and 1968, traces of Medieval occupation were also found. Possibly the site of a Roman villa.

Monument Types

• BATH HOUSE (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• SETTLEMENT (SETTLEMENT, Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Full description

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[TQ 5438 5868] Roman Building [NAT] (site of) (1) A Roman building on the banks of the stream at Springhead, Dynes Road, Kemsing, was discovered in 1948 and excavated in 1949 by C. H. Brett and L. Chandler. Three rooms, two with hypocaust heating, were disclosed, and a fourth floor had pilae still in situ. The fragmentary pottery sherds indicate a 1st to 4th c. and medieval occupation, and coins of Tetricus I and Allectus were also found. (2) Mrs. Wigham of 10 Oxenhill Road was able to point out the site at TQ 54345870: it is now under a rubble tip. A selection of finds from the site is held by Sevenoaks Public Library and Museum but the majority including Brett's excavation plans, photos &c. is in the possession of Col. G.W. Meates. (3) AM siting correct at TQ 5436 5868 (4) TQ 543586. The site of a reputed Roman watermill at Springhead, excavated in 1949, but unpublished, was investigated (in 1969). The building was situated in a small steep-sided declivity in which flowed a small stream, but since the first excavations, the stream has been piped, and the entire valley filled with rubble, rubbish and other debris. The site is now a grass field. Test holes were opened and a section of ragstone walling was located at a depth of four feet beneath a consolidated layer of 20th century finds. No stratification was discovered and the hole quickly filled with water. Further excavation was delayed. (5) Excavated in 1978 by CIB unit. The building is a detached bathhouse. No trace of medieval occupation was found. (6)

<1> OS 25" 1964 (OS Card Reference). SKE48280.

<2> Arch Cant 63, 1950, xliv-xlv (OS Card Reference). SKE35368.

<3> F1 CFW 08-AUG-64 (OS Card Reference). SKE42480.

<4> F2 ASP 15-AUG-66 (OS Card Reference). SKE43114.

<5> KAR 18 1969-70 27 (OS Card Reference). SKE45244.

<6> D Garrod Field Officer (OS Card Reference). SKE39549.

<7> Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit (OS Card Reference). SKE45900.

<8> Field report for monument TQ 55 NW 8 - August, 1964 (Bibliographic reference). SKE2798.

<9> Field report for monument TQ 55 NW 8 - August, 1966 (Bibliographic reference). SKE2799.

Sources and further reading