TR 318414. A sandstone altar 0.2m by 0.43m by 0.16m found during excavations in 1976 near the 'Painted House'. The base is roughly dressed and will have been set into the ground. The top ofthe stone has been discoloured by heat, although the focus itself, on which the altar fire would have been lit, has broken away. The right side of the altar has also been broken away, carrying with it two to three letters. The text of which the first line is written on the abacus reads: ST CO[S] OL COR [SIVS] CANDID [MAT] IRIB ITALIC[IS] I ADEM [FE]CIT VS[LM]. The translation is 'Transport Officer of the Consular Governor, Olus Cardius Candidus, built "thius" shrine to the Mother Goddess of Italy, willingly and deservedly fulfilling his vow'. (1)

Details of the Roman inscription discovered by John Willson. (2)

<1> M W C Hassall and R S O Tomlin, 1977, Britannia (Article in serial). SKE55371.

<2> John Willson, 1977, Kent Archaeological Review: 'The Painted House' Underfloor Heating System. Vol. 47 (Article in serial). SKE31857.