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

Monument Types

• HYPOCAUST (Hypocaust beneath room 10, 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 10 of this structure, which was located at the eastern end, was a hypocaust constructed of chalk blocks, clay and tiles set out in radiating channels leading to a central chamber.

Just under half of the hypocaust was located within the limits of excavation and from what was revealed it is possible to ascertain that it was similar in style, layout and size to those which were uncovered beneath rooms 8 and 9. 3, of a possible original total of 8 of the original channels were located radiating from a central chamber, these were lined with chalk blocks set in clay and were 27cm wide and 52cm high. The central chamber measured 1.5m by at least 40cm and the base was 0.7m below the floor, part of one pila stack, of a possible original 4, was located and consisted of 10tiles 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

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