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 9 of this structure, which was located on the central section of this building, was a hypocaust constructed of chalk blocks, clay and tiles set out in 8 radiating channels leading to a central chamber. (location accurate to the nearest 2m based on available information)

Monument Types

• HYPOCAUST (Hypocaust beneath room 9, Roman - 200 AD to 260 AD)
• STOKE PIT (Stoke hole to room 9, Roman - 200 AD to 260 AD)

Full description

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(summarised from publication)


Roman structure was revealed and has been interpreted as being part of the eastern section of the south range of a mansio. Beneath the opus signinum floor of room 9 of this structure, which was located on the central section of this building, was a hypocaust constructed of chalk blocks, clay and tiles set out in 8 radiating channels leading to a central chamber.

The hypocaust was similar in form to that identified beneath the adjacent room 8; it had a central chamber which measured 1.57m by 1.52 from which lead the large central flue connecting the heating system with the stoke hole against the southern wall. Seven other channels were identified leading from the central chamber radiating to all corners and sides of the room. These channels and the central flue were lined with roughly squared chalk blocks and topped with corbelled arches of tile, the central flue was 37cm wide and the channels were 30cm. The central chamber was supported by four vertical pilae, of these the two northern examples survived substantially in tact to a height of 13 tiles. All of the radiating channels had been subsequently blocked, suggesting a change of use of this room at some point. The stoke hole which had been dug through earlier deposits to a depth of 0.6m, was 2.2m wide and 1.46m long and was situated centrally against the external face of the southern wall. (1)

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

Sources and further reading

Related records