Pit V north of Sweyn's Camp [OE] (1) [TQ 60307355] CASTLE [GT] (Site of) (2) Sweyn's Camp, earthwork in Swanscombe Park. Known by this name since 1890 and probably formerly called 'the Folly'. A circular earthwork evidently a motte, almost certainly Norman. There is no indication of a bailey. Some nine pits, to the north of the camp, which are regular in form are probably the sites of dwellings. Pits V & VI were partly excavated to the undisturbed clay. Fragments of a 15th.c.costrel were found in pit V with some fragments of iron. In 1928 the earthworks were destroyed. (3) Complete destruction confirmed. (4)

In fact the interpretation of the earthworks as representing a motte is questionable. The only medieval evidence is the 'costrel' (a flask in this case made of pottery) and at 30m wide it would seem rather small for a motte. The site may represent a large barrow similar to that 1.5 km to the west (TQ 57 SE 9)

Location accurate to 5m based on available information

SWEYN'S CAMP, SWANSCOMBE (Collection). SKE6521.

SWEYN'S CAMP, SWANSCOMBE (Collection). SKE6521.

<1> O.S. 6" 1910 (OS Card Reference). SKE47819.

<2> O.S. 6" 1938 (OS Card Reference). SKE47824.

<3> Arch. Cant. Vol. 41 1929 pp. 13- 17 plan; showing 8 pits (A. H. A. Hogg) (OS Card Reference). SKE37089.

<4> F2 CFW 25-JUL-59 (OS Card Reference). SKE43278.

<5> Field report for monument TQ 67 SW 47 - July, 1959 (Bibliographic reference). SKE3676.