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 a hypocaust was uncovered beneath a building (C6) which was located at the north eastern end of the Bingo Hall/ Painted House site. The hypocaust had been substantially robbed and infilled with rubble but parts of at least 21 pillars were located. (location accurate to the nearest 2m based on available information)

Monument Types

• ARCH (Arch over hypocaust opening, Roman - 160 AD? to 250 AD?)
• HYPOCAUST (Roman - 160 AD? to 250 AD?)

Associated Finds

• VOUSSOIR (Roman - 160 AD? to 250 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 a hypocaust was uncovered beneath a building (C6) which was located at the north eastern end of the Bingo Hall/ Painted House site. The hypocaust had been substantially robbed and infilled with rubble but parts of at least 21 pillars were located.

The pillars which consisted of tiles laid horizontally, survived to varying heights of between 4cm and 40cm (1-8 courses) and would have all stood to a likely original height of 60cm. No associated furnace was located but it is possible that it was on the west or north sides which were not investigated. An inserted arch, 86cm wide, at the south east corner of the room represents a later addition, possibly contemporary with the inserted cross wall. It is likely that this arch was for a new furnace in this location. (1)

<1> Philp, B, 1989, The Roman House with Bacchic Murals at Dover (Monograph). SKE24004.

Sources and further reading

Related records