In the mid 1980s four or five cannon balls were found by a metal detector working on the foreshore near the rear of the Chequers pub at Aylesford. They measured about an inch and a half (4cm) in diameter and were apparently of iron. They were identified by Maidstone Museum staff as being from falconet and Robinette guns, this was also confirmed by the Tower of London Armories. It is possible that these finds relate to a Civil War skirmish in this location in the run up to the Battle of Maidstone in 1648. (1)

<1> Des Mullaney, 2011, The Road to Farleigh Bridge, 1st of June 1648 (The initial phase of the Battle of Maidstone): An Archaeological Investigation (Unpublished document). SKE17030.