Monument record TQ 57 SW 212 - Roman Trackway, Dartford

Summary

Excavation at St. Saviour's Avenue revealed a Roman metalled surface, but it does not seem likely that this was Watling Street. It was probably instead the remains of a subsidiary trackway leading from the main road and the search for the latter must therefore continue.

Location

Grid reference TQ 5442 7403 (point) Estimated from sources
Map sheet TQ57SW
County KENT
District DARTFORD, KENT
Civil Parish DARTFORD, DARTFORD, KENT

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

Excavation at St. Saviour's Avenue revealed a Roman metalled surface, but it does not seem likely that this was Watling Street, as we had hoped. It was probably instead the remains of a subsidiary trackway leading from the main road and the search for the latter must therefore continue. A slot cut into the river bank revealed the eighteenth century water front leading down to the river. This comprised a patchwork of cobbles and other flints. A second excavation was carried out in an area to the north of Holy Trinity churchyard. The purpose of the excavation was to examine the the construction of the churchyard wall and to record any archaeological features uncovered during this work. The excavation revealed a compacted chalk floor, over which ran a drain pipe. The floor related to a workshop/outbuilding demolished in c.1900 to make way for a terrace of houses (now demolished). Our investigation also revealed three distinct stages in the churchyard wall of which two lie buried underground. The small industrial site produced a portion of an oven or hearth constructed of roof tiles. 17th Century documents show the land was owned by a series of people, all of whom were glovers by trade. In 1817 the land was used as a coopers' yard (barrel maker). The oldest object found on site tuned out to be an Acheulian flint implement. (1-3)


<1> Dart and Dist Arch Grp Newsletter 11 1977 (OS Card Reference). SKE39604.

<2> Dart and Dist Arch Grp Newsletter 25 1980 (OS Card Reference). SKE39606.

<3> Dart Dist Arch Grp (1986) 50., 1986, Rediscovering Dartford, (Article in serial). SKE49121.

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1>XY OS Card Reference: Dart and Dist Arch Grp Newsletter 11 1977. [Mapped feature: #19368 Roman road, ]
  • <2> OS Card Reference: Dart and Dist Arch Grp Newsletter 25 1980.
  • <3> Article in serial: Dart Dist Arch Grp (1986) 50.. 1986. Rediscovering Dartford,.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Intrusive Event: One Bell Corner & St Saviour's Avenue, Dartford (Ref: EI 14840) (EKE3863)

Record last edited

May 25 2021 5:03PM