Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Barnfield Pit was opened in the later 19th century, sometime between 1862 and 1899 as it is shown on the 2nd ED OS map, to supply gravel and then chalk to the main Swanscombe Cement works to the north-east. It formed an extension to the Claylands Pit which lay between the railway line and London Road. The main part of the quarry was backfilled in the 1950's and 1960's using Thanet Sand. (location accurate to the nearest 10m based on available information)

Monument Types

• QUARRY (Abandoned, Post Medieval to Modern - 1860 AD? to 1959 AD? (at some time))

Full description

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Barnfield Pit was opened in the later 19th century, sometime between 1862 and 1899 as it is shown on the 2nd ED OS map, to supply gravel and then chalk to the main Swanscombe Cement works to the north-east (TQ 67 NW 98). It formed an extension to the Claylands Pit which lay between the railway line and London Road to which it was linked via a tunnel extending below Craylands Lane and the railway. During the 1920's two tramlines were built along the western edge of the quarry which later linked the pit to other pits opened to the south (TQ 67 NW 99) via a pair of tunnels extending below first, the southerly footpath crossing the pit and the Alkerden Road. Another footpath to the north and running along the top of a ridge of spoil linking Craylands Lane to Knockhall Road was also added during the 1920's. At this point a cast-iron footbridge was also added to span the gap between the quarry edge and the footpath causeway, needed to allow the western tramway to pass.

The main part of the quarry was backfilled in the 1950's and 1960's using Thanet Sane. This buried industrial features such as the engine and pump houses (TQ5984974647 & TQ 5987874596) and lower tramways. The backfilling created a linear ravine, the Craylands Gorge, following the course of the western tramway. The Gorge remains relatively undisturbed and the bed of the tramway can be recognised for most of its length.

As any features within the Barnfield Pit now lie below a considerable amount of backfill, the potential for future study is remote. A more systematic survey of the gorge may uncover more quarry related features and clarify the use/function of the various pipes crossing the gorge. (1-2)

<1> Essex County Council, 2003, Aggregates Levy Survey Industrial Sites, KN877/911 (Unpublished document). SKE12009.

<2> Wessex Archaeology, March 2004, Swanscombe Heritage Park and Craylands Gorge, Swanscombe, Kent. Archaeological and Geological Desk Based Assessment (Unpublished document). SWX12883.

Sources and further reading

Related records