William Lambarde's "Carde" of c1570 shows a beacon at "Stone" and a total of 52 beacons in Kent. The Beacon System dropped out of use after 1640. (1) Beacon Wood exists at TQ 59007153, a little to the NE of Beacon House, and on the southern side of an eminence, originally over 300 feet above sea level but largely destroyed by clay digging. The highest point in this area was formerly at TQ 59047176 (a) which although apparently somewhat south of the position shown on Lambarde's 'Carde' is probably the site of the beacon. (2)

<1> Arch Cant 46 1934 facing 77 (HT White) (OS Card Reference). SKE35201.

<2> OS 6" 1869 (OS Card Reference). SKE48305.

<3> F1 ASP 05-OCT-64 (OS Card Reference). SKE41949.

<4> Field report for monument TQ 57 SE 69 - October, 1964 (Bibliographic reference). SKE3106.