Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

A stone-lined tank of probably 17th to 18th century date was discovered during alterations to the interior of Plummer Roddis in Rendezvous Street in Folkestone town centre

Monument Types

• WATER TANK (WATER TANK, Post Medieval - 1782 AD to 1900 AD)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

TR 230360. Stone-lined tank, 1.3m by 1.4m was recorded at the 'junction of George Lane and Old High Street by the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit. It was not attached to any structure andwas probably built for storage. It contained domestic rubbish including roof-tiles, pipe bowls, pottery and glass dating to c.1650-1750. A report will appear in the Kent Archaeological Review and the finds will be deposited in Folkestone Museum. (1) A stone-lined tank of probably 17th to 18th century date was discovered during alterations to the interior of Plummer Roddis in rendezvous Street in Folkestone town centre. The site was c. 150m north-east of the parish church (TR 22953586) and on the northern boundary of the Bayle, thus forming part of the ancient medieval town-centre. Potsherds and clay pipe-bowls found by workmen were shown to a local historian and after a story in the press and a visit by a local archaeologist, the Kent Archaeological Rescue unit were informed of the site. All four walls of a stone-lined tank were exposed and its fill excavated. it was four courses high, constructed of sandstone blocks on end and held by a sandy grey-white mortar. It contained pottery, roof tile, pipe-bowls, glass and shell deposited as domestic rubbish. The pottery was of c1650-1750 in date. Several slipware fragments were later identifed as a 'cockerel dish' (see illus), which dates from the mid 17th century. The tank was not attached to a structure on any side and was probably in use during the mid 17th centuy. Thereare no signs of it having been a cess-pit. A map of 1782 shows that this 'block' consisted of a central yard surrounded by buildings and Marshes 'Brewery stood stood on the site of Plummer Roddis'. A number of other alehouses in close proximity are shown on the map. It is possible that the tank formed part of thepremises of Marshes' Brewery and its function could be connected with this process. (2-3)

Southern Water Services, 1993, Dover & Folkestone Wastewater Treatment scheme Environmental Statement (Unpublished document). SKe6815.

<1> Post-Med Arch 9 1975 245 (J Cherry) (OS Card Reference). SKE48549.

<2> KAR 69 1982 211-213 illus (P Keller) (OS Card Reference). SKE45404.

<3> Southern Water Services, 1993, Dover & Folkestone Wastewater Treatment scheme Environmental Statement (Unpublished document). SKE6815.

Sources and further reading