[TQ 728753392] Roman Foundations found A.D.1879 [NAT] (1)

Remains of Roman buildings were found at Barming on grubbing woodland to form an orchard. The workmen came upon an oblong cistern, nine feet, five inches by four feet, three and a half inches and four feet deep. Its floor was paved with tiles and the walls were built of rag and tufa bonded with tile. It contained tiles, mortar, a nail and animal bones. Excavations were made in 1879 by the writer revealing substantial foundations. Two walls were followed for a few feet and a floor of large tiles found at a depth of seven feet. Debris included roof-tiles and stone and tufa boulders. [Described as a villa and associated with urns found to the north - TQ 75 SW 30.] (2)

Described as villa. The 'curious pit' was perhaps a water tank and later rubbish tip. (3)

Tiles in Maidstone Museum. (4)

The site is under pasture within an orchard. Nothing is to be seen of the Roman remains. (5)

Checked and correct. (6)

Additional bibliography (7 and 8).

<1> OS 6" 1938 (OS Card Reference). SKE48349.

<2> Arch Cant 13 1880 169 (Geo Payne) (OS Card Reference). SKE34686.

<3> VCH Kent 3 1932 104 (OS Card Reference). SKE50991.

<4> Rec 6" (OGS Crawford undated) (OS Card Reference). SKE49061.

<5> F1 ASP 03.06.59 (OS Card Reference). SKE41902.

<6> F2 CFW 11.02.64 (OS Card Reference). SKE43219.

<7> Field report for monument TQ 75 SW 9 - June, 1959 (Bibliographic reference). SKE3989.

<8> Field report for monument TQ 75 SW 9 - February, 1964 (Bibliographic reference). SKE3990.