Dartford - Mr. Youens has ascertained that during additions to the Telegraph Mills on the western side of Dartford Creek, the foundations of several walls were met with, which are described as similar to those of Roman date. (February 1896). (1) [ TQ 5382 7505] [Symbol for R.B. foundations shown over Dartford Paper Mills.] (2) Enquiries at Dartford Paper Mills confirmed that they were formerly known as the Telegraph Mills. Nothing however was known of the possibly Roman foundations (3). Additional references (4).

In the 1999 newsletter of the Dartford Historical and Antiquarian Society (pages 25-27) is an additional reference to possible Roman remains in the vicinity of the Site, taken from a local paper of 1869: 'The week before last, when trenching near Dartford Manorway, leading by the new Ettrick Forest Paper Mills, and Messrs. Hibburns leather works, labourers discovered the foundations of a great edifice. Unfortunately the excavations were not pursued to any extent. Mr Dunkin, however, states that from the peculiar description of the materials, it was part of a Roman building. Many rooms were visible.' (5)

<1> Arch. Cant. vol. 22, 1897, pp. li - lii (G. Payne) (OS Card Reference). SKE37084.

<2> Kent Archives Dept. 6" (Gordon Ward, 1920-30) (OS Card Reference). SKE45904.

<3> F1 CFW 12-NOV-59 (OS Card Reference). SKE42550.

<4> Field report for monument TQ 57 NW 21 - November, 1959 (Bibliographic reference). SKE3027.

<5> Dartford Historical and Antiquarian Society, 1999, Dartford Historical and Antiquarian Society Newsletter (Bibliographic reference). SKE30891.