Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Medieval Trackway

Monument Types

• TRACKWAY (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Full description

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Bullace Lane, Dartford. TQ 5439 7410. (1) The site in Bullace Lane has indicated that in Medieval times the river was much wider at this point, forming a `basin', and this explains the reason for the shape of this lane. The later terraced houses, and, nearer the river the light industrial works were built on made up ground after the river was canalised into its existing course with concrete retaining walls. The major feature discovered on this site appears to be a consolidated chalk and flint trackway leading from the river in the general direction of the Priory. Whilst absolute dating of the track has not yet been possible, the layer immediately beneath contains pottery dated up to the 14th Century and one possible explanation for the track was that it was laid down to enable carts to load up with building materials from ships and barges and to transport loads of stone and brick during the formation of the Royal Manor House (2). Additional site photographs (3,4).

<1> Redicovering Dartford, Dart Dist Arch Grp (1986) 50. (OS Card Reference). SKE49113.

<2> Dart Dist Arch Grp Newsletter 13(1977) 2. (OS Card Reference). SKE39623.

<3> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9882.

<4> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9412.

Sources and further reading