Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

During extensive rescue excavations undertaken across Dover’s Town centre by Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit, substantial remains of the Classis Britannica fort were uncovered and recorded. Excavations in 1973-74, at the former site of the substantial Warren and Reynolds store, to the north of Queen Street, revealed two small rectangular features (one replacing the other) immediately outside the eastern gate in the approximate centre of the forecourt, which appeared to have no structural function. These have been tentatively interpreted as a podium for an altar of small statue. (location accurate to the nearest 2m based on available information).

Monument Types

• ALTAR (possible podium, Roman - 125 AD to 210 AD)

Full description

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(Summarised from publication)

During extensive rescue excavations undertaken across Dover’s Town centre by Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit, substantial remains of the Classis Britannica fort were uncovered and recorded. Excavations in 1973-74, at the former site of the substantial Warren and Reynolds store, to the north of Queen Street, revealed two small rectangular features (one replacing the other) immediately outside the eastern gate in the approximate centre of the forecourt, which appeared to have no structural function. These have been tentatively interpreted as a podium for an altar or small statue.

The later of the two features was built of tufa blocks set in a gritty white mortar of which only part of the bottom course survived to a total of 12cm, it measured 1.35m by 1.33m. The earlier structure, which survived to a total height of 14cm, was smaller in size but of a similar construction, in plan it was 1.25m by 1.22m. There was no evidence for underlying foundations or a solid centre, which lead to the conclusion that it was not a structural component to a lost building. Its position is important; anyone entering or leaving the fort via the eastern (primary) gate would have had to pass this feature, this reinforces the idea that it had a ritual use, as does the fact that traces of red paint were located upon its surface. (1)

<1> Philp, B. J., 1981, The Excavation of the Roman Forts of the Classis Britannica at Dover 1970-1977 (Monograph). SKE7863.

Sources and further reading

Related records