During the latter part of 1961 and the early part of 1962, whilst excavating for a new extension to Messrs Chiesman's at the southern end of Princess street, Gravesend, a number of cess pits of varying depths were uncovered in the underlying chalk. In all, five pits were excavated during which a large quantity of pottery was recovered, together with a lot of clay tobacco pipes, and glass bottles. One pit yielded 17th to 18th century wares, whilst the other four contained early to late Victorian pottery. From the earliest pit of 14 ft came 26 different vessels. (Full report). (1) All the vessels were smashed into pieces but many have been restored and are complete. The ware was mostly red ware with brown glazes, although one pit yielded a great quantity of white porcelain with blue transfer decoration of the `Willow pattern' type. Also found was a complete chamber pot with floral decoration and the crowned bust of King George III. The collection will be housed in the Chantry Museum, Gravesend, and a report will be sent to the Gravesend Public library. (2)

<2> Arch Cant 77 1962 196-9 (EW Tilley) (OS Card Reference). SKE35613.

<3> Arch Cant 78 1963 lii (AF Allen) (OS Card Reference). SKE35647.