Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Clearance of the site of the Church of St Martin-Le-Grand in Dover prior to the rebuilding of demolished properties revealed a vaulted tomb which has been dated to the 12th century. (location accurate to the nearest 2m based on available information).

Monument Types

• HUMAN REMAINS (Medieval - 1101 AD? to 1199 AD?)
• TOMB (Medieval - 1101 AD? to 1199 AD?)

Associated Finds

• UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT (Undated)
• SHERD (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• NAIL (Medieval - 1101 AD? to 1199 AD?)

Full description

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Clearance by a mechanical excavator of the site of the Church of St. Martin Le Grand prior to rebuilding of demolished properties, revealed a vaulted tomb. As its position coincided with a proposed wall between the site of a new National Provincial Bank and the adjoining site to the south there was no alternative but to carry out rescue excavation with an object of recording and dismantling the tomb for possible re-erection.

The tomb, which was aligned east-west, was constructed in large axed chalk blocks on which stood a vault of chalk blocks roughly square in section, leaning together to form a triangular arch, each block having been curved on its inner face. The internal dimensions of the tomb were approximately 1.7m by 0.35m by 0.8m to the apex of the vault. The tomb was built upon a hard chalk mortar floor and the jointing material throughout appeared to be puddled chalk with the addition of a fine aggregate.

The tomb was found to contain a well preserved skeleton lying with its head towards the western end. Unfortunately however, the whole of the body above the fourth vertebra was completely disarranged, partly by the caving inwards of the side chalk blocks, the skull with other bones having been removed. Parts of one hand was found in situ, indicating that the arms were laid at the side of the body. Underneath the skeleton and in the sides and corners of the tomb were the traces of wood and also 24 round headed iron nails 6cm long. In the disturbed material over the neck a small unidentified piece of bronze, 17 by 13mm was located, pierced with a long rectangular hole. A small piece of 2nd century samian bowl was also recovered from the earth covering the skeleton, situated by the knees.

It is concluded that the skeleton and tomb is 12th century on account of the execution of the stonework. (1)

Referenced by CAT annual 1991-1992, chapter 20.(2)

<1> Philip A. Rahtz, 1958, Archaeologia Cantiana, Dover: Stembrook and St. Martin Le Grand. Vol. 72 (Article in serial). SKE31641.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1991-1992, Canterbury's Archaeology, Sites Outside Canterbury 1991-1992 (Article in serial). SKE31645.

Sources and further reading

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