"Little is known about the early Saxon period at Dartford and only a limited amount of archaeological evidence has so far been found in and around the town. A probable occupation site has been discovered next to the river Darent 500m north-east of the parish church but no structures were identified although there was an occupation deposit containing domestic rubbish, hand-made pottery and a seventh century bone pin/needle. A fifth-seventh century (based on provisional dating) cemetery with at least 51 graves was excavated recently on Temple Hill (SMR No. TQ 67 SW 220) about 1km to the north east of the town. A cemetery of unknown size is inferred by the discovery of three iron spearheads, a shield-boss, a ring and beads at Powder Mill Lane, to the south side of the town. Several Saxon barrows, representing another cemetery of unknown extent, possibly of sixth or seventh century date, were recorded on a prominent ridge above the town on the south side of East Hill; they have since been destroyed. Yet another cemetery of unknown extent lies on West Hill beside Watling Street; at least 25 graves containing grave-goods of seventh-and eighth century date have been excavated.

By the late Saxon period, Dartford was part of a royal estate, and with Sutton-at-Hone it had eight small and three large dens in the Weald. It may have developed into a market town before the middle of the eleventh century, for it had much potential. For example, it was probably the economic centre of the royal estate, its position at the crossing of the river Darent provided excellent communications, and it was an ecclesiastical centre."(1)

Kent County Council, 2004, Kent Historic Town Survey: Dartford Archaeological Assessment Document (Bibliographic reference). SKE12908.

Kent County Council, 2004, Kent Historic Town Survey: Dartford Archaeological Assessment Document (Bibliographic reference). Ske12908.