Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

15 fragments of pale green glass were located during excavations undertaken by Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit at the Roman Bath House in 1979. They represent two very rare and expensive Anglo Saxon cone beakers (location accurate to the nearest 20m based on available information).

Monument Types

• FINDSPOT (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 450 AD? to 550 AD?)

Associated Finds

• VESSEL (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 450 AD? to 550 AD?)

Full description

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taken from source:

During the excavation of the Roman Bath-house in Dover in 1979, by KARU, at least fifteen fragments of pale green glass were discovered from a disturbed deposit well above the levels of the bath-house. They represent two very rare and expensive cone beakers of which six of the fragments have been partially reconstructed. Three more fragments are from a possible palm cup.

Below the rim is a series of horizontal trails, whilst the main body is decorated with vertical loops. This form is termed the 'Kempston-type' after a site in Bedfordshire, though there are variants reflecting the hand made process. A similar type of beaker was found in a grave at the Anglo Saxon cemetery in Mincham, Surrey, where it is noted that it may have been imported from France, Belgium or Germany. These vessels are regarded as high status symbols of wealth and placed in graves for the afterlife. They date from the second half of the fifth century to the middle of the sixth century. (1)

<1> Gerald B Clewley, 2016, Kent Archaeological Review: Anglo Saxon Glass Vessels from Dover. Vol. 200 (Article in serial). SKE31860.

Sources and further reading

Related records