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

During a series of extensive rescue excavations, ahead of development in Dover’s town centre, undertaken by Kent Archaeological Rescue unit a series of features relating to the late Roman Saxon Shore Fort were excavated and recorded. The defensive ditch and associated berm were located in various locations (but mainly along the western side of the fort) close to the outside face of the fort walls. This includes a substantial section of the ditch and berm which was uncovered during excavations in an area which was previously occupied by the National School and the Cause is Altered public house (Cause is Altered Site) both of which fronted onto Princes Street. (location accurate to the nearest 2m based on available information)

Monument Types

• BERM (Roman - 240 AD to 330 AD)
• DITCH (western ditch of the shore fort, Roman - 240 AD to 330 AD)

Associated Finds

• PIN (Roman - 125 AD? to 210 AD?)
• FITTING (Roman - 240 AD? to 330 AD?)

Full description

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

(Summarised from publication)

During a series of extensive rescue excavations, ahead of development in Dover’s town centre, undertaken by Kent Archaeological Rescue unit a series of features relating to the late Roman Saxon Shore Fort were excavated and recorded. The defensive ditch and associated berm were located in various locations (but mainly along the western side of the fort) close to the outside face of the fort walls. This includes a substantial section of the ditch and berm which was uncovered during excavations in an area which was previously occupied by the National School and the Cause is Altered public house (Cause is Altered Site) both of which fronted onto Princes Street.

The berm abutted the external face of the fort wall and was about 4.5m wide. Beyond the berm was the substantial western defensive ditch of the fort which had a maximum width of 9m and depth of 3m. its sides were steep and it had a flat base which was about 1.2m wide. The fills consisted of a series of dark brown loams with the exception of a layer of rubble and mortar which presumable represents the demolition deposit of the shore fort. (1)

<1> Brian Philp, The Discovery and Excavation of the Roman Shore Fort at Dover, Kent (Monograph). SKE32061.

Sources and further reading

Related records