[Central TR 0340 6039] A denehole called Hegdale Pit (identified by Captain M. W. Hilton Simpson, of Sole Street) in Preston near Faversham (O.S. 34, Latitude 51 degrees 18' 21", Longitude 0 degrees 55' 07") was probably one of those referred to in general terms by Camden (a); the name is interesting as recalling Thomas of Elmham's Heghisdale (b). (Heghisdale - see Kent 25 S.W.) (1) At the S.E. extremity of the parish of Faversham, as well as in other parts of this county, there are several chalk pits, the most noted of these being Hegdale Pit, of a great depth, which though narrow at the top, yet more inward are very capacious, having as it were, distinct rooms, supported by pillars of chalk. (2) At the position given by 1, there is now only a chalk quarry (as shownon O.S. 6" 1906-38) but it is called "Hegdale Pit". The owner, Mr Kite of Ewell Farm, states that it has not been worked for 50 years and that he has never heard of a Denehole in the area. Evidently the Denehole has been opened out since Hasted's time, but not recently, and it follows that Captain Hilton Simpson's identification was of thename only. (3)

<1> Camden 1587 Edn 199 (OS Card Reference). SKE38484.

<2> Hasted Kent II 717 (OS Card Reference). SKE43743.

<3> Ant J 7 No 25 Marh 1933 94 (OS Card Reference). SKE33218.

<4> Hist of Kent 1782 2 717 (E Hasted) (OS Card Reference). SKE43938.

<5> F1 ASP 08-JUL-59 (OS Card Reference). SKE41999.

<6> Field report for monument TR 06 SW 19 - July, 1959 (Bibliographic reference). SKE5294.