Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

Three shallow circular earthworks, interpreted as hay stack stances of medieval or post-medieval date, are visible on 1940s aerial photographs. Examination of recent aerial photographs suggests that one has been plough-levelled whilst the other two have been destroyed by the construction of a new road.

Monument Types

• STACK STAND (Unknown date)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

Three shallow circular earthworks are visible on 1940s RAF vertical aerial photographs [1].

Two of the mounds lie close together, roughly 20m apart, both measure c.9m in diameter. The third mound lies 50m to their NW and measures c.7m in diameter. They are interpreted as a hay stack stances, mounds for the drying and storage of hay in the damp environment of a riverside meadow. Examination of recent aerial photographs suggests that one has been plough-levelled whilst the other two have are likley to have been removed by the construction of a new road and roundabout [2]. Similar features have been recorded across the floor of the Stour Valley between Upstreet and the coast, see Related Monuments. They appear to represent an integral part of the medieval or post-medieval farming landscape in this area.

A transcription of the features recorded from aerial photography exists within a GIS layer held by this HER [3].

<2> Next Perspectives consortium via English Heritage, 2003, 2007, Next Perspective PGA georeferenced aerial photograph data, Next Perspectives PGA Tile Ref: PGA_TR3259_2003-08-14 (Graphic material). SWX15711.

<3> Wessex Archaeology, 2009-10, South-East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey - Aerial Photographic Transcriptions (Digital archive). SWX15705.

<3> Wessex Archaeology, 2011, South East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey - (SE RCZAS) Phase 1: National Mapping Programme Report (Unpublished document). SKE25955.

<3> Cornwall Council Historic Environment Projects and Gloucestershire County Council, 2011, South East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey National Mapping Programme Components 1&2: Results of NMP Mapping (Unpublished document). SKE25954.

Sources and further reading

Related records