Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

During a series of extensive rescue excavations, ahead of development in Dover’s town centre undertaken by Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit, the remains of a large scale Roman Structure were revealed and have been interpreted as being part of the eastern section of the south range of a mansio. Room 7 of this complex was located at the western end of the structure and linked to room 8 on the eastern side. (location accurate to the nearest 2m based on available information)

Monument Types

• MANSIO (Room 7, Roman - 200 AD to 260 AD)

Full description

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(summarised from publication)

During a series of extensive rescue excavations, ahead of development in Dover’s town centre undertaken by Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit, the remains of a large scale Roman Structure were revealed and have been interpreted as being part of the eastern section of the south range of a mansio. Room 7 of this complex was located at the western end of the structure and linked to room 8 on the eastern side.

The full extent of this room was not revealed due to the fact the western end of it lay outside the limits of excavation, in fact only a small section of the north wall survived. Despite this it was ascertained that room 7 was a small room with internal dimensions of 3.5m by 2.5m. It was effectively an extension of room 8 and linked to it via a wide, 3.15m opening in the eastern wall which was flanked on both sides by responds of tile. The floor was badly worn but clearly of opus signinum, probably a continuation of that also apparent in room 8. (1)

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

Sources and further reading

Related records