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. Beneath the opus signinum floor of room 8 of this structure, which was located at its western end, was a hypocaust constructed of chalk blocks, clay and tiles set out in six radiating channels leading to a central chamber. (location accurate to the nearest 2m based on available information)

Monument Types

• HYPOCAUST (Hypocaust beneath room 8, Roman - 200 AD to 260 AD)
• STOKE PIT (Stoke hole to room 8, 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. Beneath the opus signinum floor of room 8 of this structure, which was located at its western end, was a hypocaust constructed of chalk blocks, clay and tiles set out in six radiating channels leading to a central chamber.

The hypocaust was viewed through a large hole in the floor in the centre of the room, alongside a further hole caused by a large Medieval pit which had been cut in the south east corner of the room. The layout of the hypocaust was very similar to that uncovered in the painted house, there was a large central south flue which measured 0.47m in width and 0.66m in height that lead to the stoke hole in the southern wall and to a chamber in the centre of the room. From this chamber five further channels lead to all four corners and centrally to the north. These five channels were 0.3m wide 0.7m high and were lined with chalk blocks set in clay and capped by corbelled arches of red tiles. The stoke hole was located centrally against the southern wall and measured 1.68m by 1.4m and was about 0.7m in depth. The central chamber had four vertical pilae stacks which had survived to a maximum of 14 tiles which set in an orange clay. (1)

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

Sources and further reading

Related records