[TQ 69857353] Roman Kiln (Site of) [T.I.] (1) Roman Pottery [G.S.] (Site of) (2) Evidence of Roman pottery making has been found in the ballast cutting of the North Kent railway, opposite the signal-box, c. 1 mile beyond Higham station. Workman came upon two layers of potsherds each 12"-18" thick and spread over an area 10' x 6'. Portions of all varieties of vessels were represented: the ware is well made, blue-black in colour, but not so highly finished as Upchurch ware. The signalman stated that during the past twelve years c. 1886-98 similar layers had been found and the material gathered up weekly by a collector from London. (3) The present location of finds from this site was not ascertained. The bulk of the George Payne collection went to the British Museum, a small selection being held by Rochester Museum. (4) Additional bibliography. (5) Photographs (7-8)

<1> O.S. 6" 1939-40 (OS Card Reference). SKE47831.

<2> O.S. 6" 1909 (OS Card Reference). SKE47817.

<3> Arch. Cant. Vol.23, 1898, pp 22-3 (G. Payne) (OS Card Reference). SKE37107.

<4> F1 EG 01-JUL-59 (OS Card Reference). SKE42860.

<5> The pottery kilns of Roman Britain 1984 Gaz 407 (VG Swan) (OS Card Reference). SKE50481.

<6> Field report for monument TQ 67 SE 29 - July, 1959 (Bibliographic reference). SKE3620.

<7> 1973, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX10908.

<8> 1973, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX10908.