"A short steep hill on one side of the rectory, at Ripple, where a clump of trees now stands, seems as though it may have been in great measure thrown up for an encampment" (traditionally attributed to Caesar). Ripple - Rectangular earthwork: Camp. On and around the spot now occupied by the rectory, Caesar is reputed to have thrown up a work onhis route from the sea to his principal camp on Barham Downs (TR 211513) but existing evidence is not very tangible. The land was no doubt naturally suited for an encampment, and it has the appearance of having been artifically improved for the purpose, a short steep hill on one side of Rectory, where a clump of trees now stand seems as though it may have been in a great measure thrown up for an encampment. Information from Rev H.L. Beardmore.(2)

An inspection of the ground revealed not a trace of earthworks. No further documentary evidence can be found. (1)

Additional Info (3-6)

<1> F1 ASP 22-JUL-1964 (OS Card Reference). SKE42232.

<2> VCH I 1908 406 (I C Gould) (OS Card Reference). SKE50816.

<3> Arch Cant 13 1880 10 (W M Flinders Petrie) (OS Card Reference). SKE34679.

<4> Maidstone Museum Pte 6" (Anon Undated) (OS Card Reference). SKE46481.

<5> F2 ASP 22-JUL-1964 (OS Card Reference). SKE43150.

<6> Field report for monument TR 35 SE 36 - July, 1964 (Bibliographic reference). SKE6097.