NGR TQ 95 70 (LO) The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for AD 855/856 states; 'In this year heathen men for the first time stayed in Sheppey over the winter'.(1) In sharp contrast to other Viking encampments recorded in the Chronicle, such as Rochester (885), Milton (892), Benfleet and Shoebury (893), there is no mention of the construction of a fortress. This may imply that the Isle of Sheppey afforded sufficient protection for the invaders, and no earthwork defences were necessary. (1-2). Additional references (3).

<1> edited by Dorothy Whitelock, 1979, English historical documents: 1, c 500-1042, 1979, Page Nos. 189 (Bibliographic reference). SKE6380.

<2> Struth, P MAR-1994 RCHME Field Investigation (OS Card Reference). SKE49692.

<3> RCHME: Anglo Saxon Monasteries in Kent, Essex and Greater London (Collection). SKE6500.

<4> by H M Taylor and Joan Taylor, 1965, Anglo-Saxon architecture : volume 1 (Bibliographic reference). SKE6406.