Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Part of a Romano-British cremation cemetery was found in Churchfield in 1838, with further discoveries in 1884. Pottery and personal dress items were found.

Monument Types

• CEMETERY (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)

Associated Finds

• JEWELLERY (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)

Full description

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[Name TR 0058 6320] Roman urns found A.D. 1838-84 [R] (1) In Churchfield, in the parish of Oare, about 20 yards from and parallel with the road leading to the Sheppey Ferry, near Pheasant Farm, a number of groups of pottery associated with cremation burials was found in 1838. In connection with them are noted Samian vessels bearing the stamps of the late 1st century potters CRUCURO, MARTIALIS,SECUNDUS and RUFFUS. Some of these burials are now in the Canterbury Museum. (2)(3) Account similar to 3. (4) The western portion of Churchfield is now called Bulldog Field, and itwas here that four interments came to light in 1884. There were 5 urns, 2 bronze armillae and a Samian patera in one grave, all the vessels in the others being destroyed by the men, but a fibula and a pair of tweezers, both of bronze, were rescued. (5) Burials in Church Field 1838 and 1884. Appears to have been an extensive cemetery. (6) Tithe Map of Oare (1890) confirms the find to have come out of "Churchfield" as sited by Authority 1. "Bulldog Field" not listed in the T.M. schedule. The field is under wheat and has, in the past, been extensively dug for gravel of the S.W. half. (7) [TR 0061 6321] ROMAN BURIAL GROUND [R] (8)

<1> OS 6" 1906-38 (OS Card Reference). SKE48316.

<2> VCH Kent 3 1932 93 (R E Mortimer Wheeler) (OS Card Reference). SKE51144.

<3> Arch 29 221 (OS Card Reference). SKE34385.

<4> The Reliquary 13 1872-3 143 (G Bedo) (OS Card Reference). SKE50494.

<5> Coll Cant 1893 95 (G Payne) (OS Card Reference). SKE39162.

<6> Kent Arch Soc 6" Maidstone Museum (Anon undated) (OS Card Reference). SKE45880.

<7> F1 ASP 10-JUL-59 (OS Card Reference). SKE42033.

<8> OS 1:10000 1976 (OS Card Reference). SKE48161.

<9> Field report for monument TR 06 SW 2 - July, 1959 (Bibliographic reference). SKE5271.

Sources and further reading