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)

Archive material (6)

Location accurate to 5m based on available information

<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.

<6> SWEYN'S CAMP, SWANSCOMBE (Collection). SKE6521.